Lou Cohen was a curious, dedicated spirit who’s work as a contemporary composer and enthusiastic co-director of Boston’s Opensound music series helped contribute significant energy to the New Music scene in our own city and abroad. Considering his work in 12-tone and electro-acoustic composing, as well as his wonderfully idiosyncratic Wiimote performances and other improvised, laptop-music excursions, it’s clear that Cohen embraced the possibilities of music from the 20th century into the 21st century with genuine vigor. The performances he held in his home, the concerts he curated for Opensound, and the work he did with his own music prior to his passing last year opened up the minds and hearts of individuals from numerous backgrounds to the unfolding possibilities of contemporary music.
It is only fitting, then, that the Lou Cohen Memorial Concert is to be a performance of John Cage’s “Variations III” featuring 100 performers from varying performative contexts engaging in unique interpretations of Cage’s infamous aleatoric piece. It’s been a mainstay for the Opensound series for quite some time now, with Cohen’s experience studying with John Cage finding some gratuitous expression in it’s annual position.
Beyond referencing this personal tie between Cage and Cohen, this event will serve to honor the spirit of Cohen as a man truly open to sound. When the participants begin to perform, peering down at plastic circles and transforming their relationships into individual actions, they will be opening themselves up to sound as it may function beyond traditional musical form and content. As audience members move about the Somerville Armory, taking in the sights and sounds of 100 performers from whatever vantage point they please, they will be opening themselves up to sound as it may exist beyond the confines of the fixed ensemble or composition.
With such stellar musicians on hand as Steve Norton and Preggy Peggy, for example, you know that there will be some crazy sounds going on in Somerville TONIGHT. Those audience members wisely in attendance will be treated to an expansive, adventurous experience that is nearly-impossible to describe in advance. It will all be in memory of Lou Cohen and the passion he had for innovative, communal experiences of art, making this a truly special performance for our city and its multi-faceted scene.
7pm // All Ages // Free