Zubin Kanga, renowned for his innovative approach to piano performance, has earned the moniker ‘cyborg pianist’ for his seamless integration of technology with traditional piano playing. Through his Cyborg Soloists project, Kanga has delved into experimental compositions, collaborating with composers like Tristan Coelho to push the boundaries of piano music. At a rehearsal with Ensemble Offspring’s Lumen Machine, Kanga showcases the Lumatone keyboard and a motion-sensor ring that adds a new dimension to his performance, drawing inspiration from the late American composer Julius Eastman.
As Kanga immerses himself in Eastman’s legacy, the Earshift Orchestra prepares to present Eastman’s monumental work, Femenine. Saxophonist Jeremy Rose and percussionist Niki Johnson, part of the orchestra, discuss the influence of Eastman’s music on contemporary art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, where Julie Mehretu’s series of paintings inspired by Femenine sets the stage for a profound artistic dialogue.
Ensemble Offspring’s upcoming performance at ACO on the Pier in Sydney and Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, along with the Earshift Orchestra’s rendition of Femenine at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, mark significant milestones in celebrating the intersection of music and art that Eastman’s compositions epitomize.
Through Kanga’s exploration of the Lumatone keyboard and his collaboration with Coelho, the evolution of piano music is evident, bridging classical traditions with contemporary technological advancements. The integration of motion-sensing devices like the Genki wave ring enhances the interactive nature of piano performance, offering a glimpse into the future of music.
Julius Eastman’s enduring influence on modern compositions is palpable in works like Femenine, which continues to inspire musicians and artists to engage with his profound musical legacy. The convergence of music and visual art at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia underscores the timeless relevance of Eastman’s oeuvre in sparking creative conversations across different artistic mediums.
As the boundaries between classical and experimental music blur, artists like Kanga and ensembles like the Earshift Orchestra pave the way for a dynamic fusion of traditional piano repertoire with cutting-edge technology and avant-garde compositions. The synergy between music and art, exemplified in performances like Femenine, reaffirms the enduring power of creativity to transcend conventional boundaries and inspire new artistic expressions.
🔗 Reddit Discussions
- Is there a convenient way to play in microtonal tunings, besides Lumatone? I try to play on my keyboard with microtuner in ableton, but it’s constant mindfuck, trying to remember that perfect 8 is flat 13 (or whatever, depends on tuning)
- I Wrote this Fun Piece for Handbells and Lumatone (a Microtonal Keyboard) – You Should Really Check it out!
- Anyone into 31 tone equal temperament? Here is Jacob’s beautiful tune “The Sun is in Your Eyes” played in 31-TET on the Lumatone keyboard. I’m really loving this keyboard; Jacob also just got one 🙂