Beat it! Happening

Maximum impact with minimal resources: this idea runs like a common thread through the Beat it! Happening. For instance, Tristan Perich creates an impressive sonic architecture using just a few instruments and electronic pulses. Julian Sartorius, in turn, starts with a single rhythmic pattern that unfolds into a layered soundscape. A similar concept underpins the South Indian Carnatic music. With Ensemble Quidni, too, we see a play between simplicity and abundance: with a limited number of musicians and historical instruments, they create a colourful sonic universe. Where Seijiro Murayama and Victor Guaita seek out minimalism in an extremely intimate setting, Superdrum goes in exactly the opposite direction: with over a hundred drums, an overwhelming wall of sound is created that blows the astonished audience away.

On the programme

Touki Delphine / Superdrum (Studio 1)

Gigantic mechanical drum monster

Using over a hundred second-hand drums, donated by the public or found on online marketplaces, in charity shops or in attics, Touki Delphine built Superdrum. A self-playing drum installation played by twigs collected in the woods and along roadsides. The result is a quirky, thumping beast of sound and light. 

Julian Sartorius & GAME / RLLRLRLLRRLRLRLRLLRLRLR (Concertzaal)

Get into the groove

23 beats form the basis for an uninterrupted rhythmic pattern that constantly shifts ever so slightly. Changes in sound, instrumentation, dynamics and intensity bring this sonic landscape to life. The result is a timeless journey from trance-like repetition to colourful rhythmic expression.

 Victor Guaita & Seijiro Murayama / A practice of silence (Angel room)

Drum and viola in parallel universes

Two chairs side by side. A Japanese percussionist and a Spanish violist sit next to each other. In their performance of a predetermined duration, they reduce the sound material to a minimum. They do not construct a dialogue, nor do they strive for unity. Yet they create a sonic space all their own. 

Trio Quidni / Building Bridges (Kamermuziekzaal)

A rhythmic celebration with historical instruments

Trio Quidni blends medieval sounds and traditional rhythms in a fiery percussion journey featuring rare instruments, improvisation, contemporary compositions and infectious musicianship. Can you keep your feet still?

Ictus / Tristan Perich. Parallels (Concertzaal scène)

Electronic pulses & hypnotic rhythms

In Parallels, the New York-based Tristan Perich combines triangles and hi-hats with electronic 1-bit sounds played through small, separate speakers. The result is an intriguing soundscape where minimalism and technical precision converge.

Prathap Ramachandra & friends /South Indian percussion music (Kamermuziekzaal)

Dynamic interplay of rhythm and rich sounds

Master percussionist Prathap Ramachandra and his companions immerse you in centuries-old South Indian percussion music. They give free rein to their creativity on instruments such as the ghatam, mridangam and khanjira, while exploring into konnakol, the art of vocal percussion. Although this art form sounds modern and virtuosic, the music draws on a centuries-old tradition.