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"Nightmares: Three Compositions for Instruments, Gestures, and Electronic Sounds"

“My mission in life is to make everybody as uneasy as possible. I think we should all be as uneasy as possible, because that's what the world is like.” (Edward Gorey)

 Conversations about modern composition are often facilitated by an early definition of boundaries. Identifying one's niche discloses a great deal about artistic intent, perhaps most effective as a self-revelatory technique. Of primary interest to me are the niches created by the blurry dividing lines, by the unlikely merging of certain artistic practices which elicit in the viewer feelings of discomfort and uncertainty--- an exploration of the uncanny. My “Nightmare” series comprises three works which have been especially inspired by the uncanny valley.

 

Natacha Diels’ work combines ritual, improvisation, traditional instrumental technique, and cynical play to create worlds of curiosity and unease. An accomplished composer and performer, Natacha’s unique musical approach continues to contribute to the ongoing development of new American experimentalism. With a focus on choreographed movement, traditional instrumental technique, and a wide array of DIY electronics, Natacha’s  compositions have been described as “a fairy tale for a fractured world” (Music We Care About) and “fantastic playful modern chamber music full of magic and wit” (Vital Weekly). She holds degrees from NYU and Columbia University and currently teaches composition and computer music at UCSD.

Natacha founded the experimental music collective Ensemble Pamplemousse in 2003, and continues to be its executive director and flautist. In 2009 she co-founded the performance duo On Structure with Jessie Marino. Pamplemousse performs globally and has commissioned over 100 compositions from musically and demographically under-represented composers. Inexorably uncompromising, the group has developed its name by presenting exquisitely challenging music at both internationally recognized festivals such as MATA Festival (NY) and lesser known gems such as Louisville’s Experimental Music Festival (KY).