From Prague, composer Michal Rataj presents a set of works for sound objects, writing desk, and live multi-channel electronics.
Andy Claussen performs his Wishbone Suite, an extended work for improvising chamber ensemble of clarinet, accordion, trombone, piano and drums. The ensemble explores recurring folk-like themes as springboards into improvised material, creating “an alluring, whimsical, and just-plain-cool mix of jazz, classical, and experimental music. Challenging music that doesn’t shy away from being pretty” -eMusic.
Clausen’s ensemble features key members of Seattle’s vibrant improvised music community; creators of The Racer Sessions, the Table & Chairs Label and The Improvised Music Project: Andy Claussen (trombone), Ivan Arteaga (clarinet), Aaron Otheim (accordion), Gus Carns (piano), and Chris Icasiano (drums).
Michal Rataj (born 1975) is a composer, performer and sound designer based in Prague, Czech Republic. He composes mainly electroacoustic and chamber or orchestral instrumental music and receives performances throughout Europe and broadcasts worldwide. Recently he has been active as real-time performer of his acousmatic music and he gives sound performances alone or with different music partners.
Rataj is assistant professor of electroacoustic music at the Academy of Performing Arts and at the NYU in Prague. He studied musicology (Charles University, Prague) and composition (Academy of Performing Arts, Prague) with prof. Ivan Kurz and prof. Milan Slavický. He also went to study in Egham (UK) and Berlin (D) and as a Fulbright Scholar he conducted research in Center For New Music And Audio Technologies at University of California, Berkeley, CA in the academic year 2007 – 2008. He has worked as a radio producer at the Czech Radio since 2003, where he has produced over 100 original radioart works with artists from around the world. He is a member of the EBU Ars Acustica Group, his music has been broadcast worldwide and performed throughout Europe and in the USA. Michal Rataj
Andy Claussen is a New York-based trombonist, composer and bandleader. An avid explorer of cross-genre territory, drawing inspiration from folk music, jazz, classical, and indie rock, Clausen has performed with new music mavericks Bill Frisell and Wayne Horvitz, pop sensation Feist and the avant-jazz saxophonist Andrew D’angelo. Hailing from Seattle, Clausen relocated to NYC in 2010 to begin his studies at the Juilliard School where he enjoys a diverse performance schedule, collaborating with choreographers, filmmakers, folk and blues artists, classical composers, as well as New York’s jazz elite. An active bandleader since the age of 14, The New York Times has described his work as “sleek, dynamic large-group jazz, a whirl of dark-hued harmony and billowing rhythm…The intelligent sheen of Mr. Clausen’s writing was as striking as the composure of his peers…It was impressive, and not just by the yardstick of their age.” More info can be found at tableandchairsmusic.com and andyclausen.com.