theB.E.A.M is an ensemble of musicians and electro-acoustic artists founded by Thomas Kessler and Wolfgang Heiniger whose self-assigned business it is to perform live-electronic music. theB.E.A.M combines sensors with lyrical song and electro-acoustic music with virtuoso percussion in order to create a unique sound world. theB.E.A.M plays 'classical contemporary music' in its own particular manner ranging from the poetic to the rather raw and often very ironic. theB.E.A.M is above all an experimental ensemble performing almost exclusively commissioned works rather than the usual repertoire pieces. Because each member of theB.E.A.M is an accomplished musician in his or her own field it can be seen as a 'soloists ensemble' or a kind of 'all star band', having the freedom and privilege to play whatever they please. theB.E.A.M has made it their business to advance not only the live-electronic aspects of chamber music but also the theatrical aspects, and so it follows that many unconventional methods can be found in the ensemble's repertoire including play on and with tables, video cameras, motors, kitchen appliances and much more. The reason for theB.E.A.M's speciality lies in the fact that the group breaks with the conventional composer - interpreter relationship such that some works made in close cooperation with the composer are revised, changed and even composed anew from performance to performance. Because two of theB.E.A.M members are themselves composers the ensemble understands itself as a 'work in progress'. Until now special guests of theB.E.A.M include Vinko Globokar, Heinz Holliger, Marcus Weiss and Sylvia Zytynska.
Gary Berger:
scri for voice, baritone saxophone, percussion and live electronic