Klangspuren Schwaz Festival for New Music

Since its foundation in 1994, the Tirol Festival for New Music has become one of the most refreshing, innovative and comprehensive festivals of its kind. The proven concept to combine international high-level contemporary music with local customs is the foundation of its programming. In the year 2018, the Tirol Festival for New Music revolves around the theme of “Risse” (‘Fissures’), a theme chosen in response to the processes of social erosion, which seriously jeopardize world peace and are evident not only in Europe but also all over the world. The 26th Klangspuren Festival brings top national and international musicians and prestigious contemporary artists and ensembles to Schwaz. Outstanding Alsatian composer Mark Andre is Composer in Residence of the 2019 Festival. He will be present during the entire master course of the annual International Ensemble Modern Academy (IEMA) to rehearse his works with the students.

In 2019, a new improvisaton class will be added: taught by US-American electric harpist and pianist Zeena Parkins as Improviser in Residence. The improvisational handling of contemporary musical material opens the door to new approaches to interpreting today’s compositions. Lectures on music aesthetics and musicological topics in contemporary music will add a theoretical dimension to this course. The multi-faceted artist Zeena Parkins will herself give a concert playing the electric harp.

In addition to performances of leading ensembles, the festival will offer music and composer workshops, concerts, and more. There will also be instrument exploration sessions named “Klangspuren Lautstark” (‘Klangspuren Loud’) and “Klangspuren Lautstärker” (‘Klangspuren Louder’) for children and young adults, in which participants learn about the extraordinary variety of sounds (applications required).