Louise Devenish

KEYNOTE ADDRESS 

Percussive Pluralities

The ability to rapidly discover and extract the sonic potential from a vast range of materials, and to be able to use whatever sounds are found reliably in performance, is a hallmark of percussive practice. Curious collaborative experiments by generations of performers and composers have enabled the continuous development of unique instrumental materials, performance practices and musical works. Recent evolutions in musical practice more broadly have seen increasing diversification of the tools and methods used in new western art music, that build on performance practices established by percussionists during the formative years of our discipline, as well as interdisciplinary influences. This presentation will explore a range of contemporary approaches to percussive practice: how we are making music, how we are presenting music, what does it sound like, why does it matter, and where could this lead us in the future.