Information on Loughborough

Janek Schaefer Concert

Posted on 20/11/2007
P. Klein

Posted on 20th November 2007

P. Klein

Janek Schaefer

Janek Schaefer, the UKs most compelling sound artist, is to give a concert in Loughborough as part of the Universitys arts programme RADAR.

Nick Slater, Director of Radar explained to inLoughborough: "The Radar programme is Loughborough Universities new arts programme.  It will bring internationally recognised artists to Loughborough, showing work in a range of different locations across the town.   There will be three different seasons a year, each built around a particular theme, with the first season looking at artists who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sound and music.

On the 2nd December 2007 Janek Schaefer will be giving a concert at the University.

Janek while studying architecture at the Royal College of Art RCA annual prize, he recorded the fragmented noises of a sound activated dictaphone travelling overnight through the Post Office. That work, titled Recorded Delivery [1995] was made for the Self Storage exhibition Time Out critics choice with one time postman Brian Eno and Artangel. This was the start of a journey that has earned him a reputation as one of the UKs most compelling sound artists. His  bold and beautiful compositions have endowed him a worldwide reputation.

Subsequently the multiple aspects of sound has been his focus which has resulted in many concerts, releases, installations and soundtracks for exhibitions using his self built and invented record players with electro-acoustic collage.

His cult status is aided with his trademark adapted tri-arm turntable which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the Worlds Most Versatile Record Player. His ability to weave live vinyl with found sounds produces intimate, hypnotic and exhilarating soundscapes. One critic referring to his work said: ""You cannot listen to this music and do something that requires concentration."  

The environment of each thought is central to its development and resolution. His work explores the spatial and architectural aspect which sound evokes. Using hybrid analogue and digital technology field recordings are manipulated with live modified vinyl and found sound to create emotive and engaging environments. His CD Above Buildings 2000 was released on Fat Cat to considerable praise The Guardian CD of the week.

For the commissioned work at Loughborough University, the audience will take their place on a gym mat in the sports hall to hear Janeks latest soundscape.  Incorporating the familiar sounds of balls rolling and bouncing on suspended floors which will reverberate around the hall to form a unique concert experience.

Nick Slater referring to the forthcoming concert told inLoughborough: "Janek Schaefers concert really is a unique event.  Firstly, it will take place in the David Wallace Sports Hall, a space unaccustomed to any arts activity and secondly Janek has composed a piece of music that will incorporate sporting sounds and will flood the space with beautiful and unusual soundscapes.

RADAR is offering free tickets for the forthcoming concert exclusive to InLoughborough readers.  Tel 01509 222960 and quote INLoughborough to receive your free ticket for the forthcoming concert.

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