Ethermusic 2005

thereminfox · Joined: Aug 20, 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Netherlands

Hi folks,

Miss Hypnotique asked me to log in here and write something about the Ethermusic 2005 theremin festival that was held in Asheville NC early August. I was invited there to give workshops about using the theremins with effects and the theremin as a controler.
As far as i know everybody regards the festival as a big succes. The main problem seems to have been that the festival was organised on a very short notice, so that not a lot of people knew about it. There were roughly about 35 participants.

A good thing is that at the end of the festival, Mike Adams, CEO of Moog Music, announced Ethermusic 2006!!!!

Lydia Kavina I think stole the show with her enormous versatility on the instrument. She played classical music as well as modern and pop on 2 nights, then she gave master classes on subjects like interpretation and composing for the theremin, and in between she was either practicing with us (barbara buchholz, pamelia kurstin, jason barile, her piano accompanist and myself) for the concerts or giving all the participants a private theremin lesson.

According to several attendees, one of the highlights was the performance of Bachs 'Air on a G-string' in a string arrangement, but played by three theremins and piano.

I had the best time doing my workshops. Of course the fest was held in the city of Moog Music, and personally I love my Moogerfoogers. I even got to demonstrate the new 104Z analog delay, which has been out of production for about 5 years.
About controling, the new Etherwave Pro has Control Voltage outputs from both antennas, and this works great with the CV inputs on the Moogerfoogers.
I also demonstrated Max MSP, running on my G4 powerbook. In here I analize the sound from 2 theremins, which gives me pitch, loudness, attack pitches+presence of overtones and everything you can imagine, in a data stream that can be hooked up to any musical or non musical parameter that you would want. (Who need a MIDI theremin when you can do that!! Wink

I spent a few more days in Asheville after the fest to get some instruction in how to repair Etherwave Standards, as that is the instrument I sell the most.

It was great spending time with a lot of my theremin friends, as well as meeting a lot of new people. It was a great mix, when I think about it. There were classical players as well as experimental performers and anything in between.
If you weren't there, be there next year!

Take care,

Wilco

mosc · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 9:01 am Post subject:

Wilco to electro-music.com, great to have you here.

I checked off yes, because if it works out I really would like to go. Of course, a lot depends on when it is and what else develops.

I'm am a fellow Thereminist, of sorts. I have a signed Moog Etherwave, but I really haven't mastered it. In fact, I haven't even minored it. Laughing

Some day I hope to take some real Theremin lessons from one of the resident Theremin masters around here. Kip Rosser actually lives very close to me.

Anyhow, Wilco, check out the other forums we have here. We have a great group of people with many diverse interests. We'd love to have you join in. In the meantime, please keep us informed on this conference.

hypnotique · Joined: Apr 17, 2005 Posts: 17 Location: UK

Hey Wilco,

Thanks for the Ether Music description - sounds like quite a blast. I think the late notice and non-central location probably kept numbers back. Your workshops sounded really interesting - what theremins were you using - the Tvox Tour or any other theremins?

Were most of the attenders from USA? Any exciting new theremin talent there?

Air on a G String sounds great. I have Lydia version with a string quartet, but a theremin ensemble sound extra special.

BTW: You should all check out Wilco's CD (what's it called Wilco?) - it's got some great experimental theremin and electronic tracks that are really 'out there' reminicent of experimental Sonic Boom. Also, fantastic custom-made packaging.

ThereminWorld · Joined: Sep 07, 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Apex, NC

I think you're referring to "Theretology", and I agree - it's incredibly creative and inspiring.

Mohoyoho · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 5:50 am Post subject:

Jason and Wilco,
Hope you have seen the "movie" we have of Kip demonstrating the Theremin:
http://electro-music.com/forum/topic-6941.html

ThereminWorld · Joined: Sep 07, 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Apex, NC

Thanks! I hadn't seen that yet. I'll direct our readers to check out that thread.

cheers!