Smashing the Myth of Absence: A Practice-Based Approach to Decolonizing Experimental Music – part 1: Composition and Improvisation in the ‘Creative Orchestra’
"Smashing the Myth of Absence: A Practice-Based Approach to Decolonizing Experimental Music" establishes a foundational framework for reimagining experimental music by integrating African American practices, particularly their hybridization of improvisation and composition. Positioned at the intersection of artistic research, critical theory and institutional practices, this project interrogates the historical exclusion of diverse traditions from Western 'art' music canons. Grounded in relational musicology and decolonial perspectives, it proposes a transformative approach to performance practices and pedagogy. The overall project is divided in two parts, the first of which, as presented in this application, will focus on experimental musical practices incorporating composition and improvisation in the context of the large ensemble or orchestra. It advances a rigorous, interdisciplinary methodology that synthesizes archival exploration, scholarly analysis, and practice-based experimentation. By addressing systemic gaps in repertoire, performance, and institutional structures, the research provides essential insights and tools to expand the conceptual, practical and institutional boundaries of experimental music. Ultimately, this research aims to fundamentally rethink and practically reshape the music canon within conservatories and the professional music world, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant connection to contemporary music’s past, present, and future.1
Results
The practice-based nature of WP2 will generate artistic outcomes in the form of workshops and concerts. I will collaborate with a student orchestra at RCA consisting of 15 to 25 musicians from bot classical and jazz departments. The workshop results will be presented at at least two public performances, one of which will be presented at the RCA and one as part of the concertprogram of DE SINGEL International Arts Center (I’m currently in discussion with both RCA and the programming team of DE SINGEL to confirm this collaboration). In the summer of 2027 I will lead a “Creative Orchestra” workshop and concert with participants of the Ferienkurse für Neue Musik in Darmstadt. This is a continuation of an earlier workshop in 2023 (with composer Anthony Braxton) and a confirmed workshop in 2025 (with composer Tyshawn Sorey).
In a final concluding stage of this research, I will compile my findings, survey’s and interviews in an academic article co-authored with Pascal Gielen, which will be submitted to Contemporary Music Review and Forum +.
