Anushka Chkheidze 
Anushka Chkheidze, a composer from Tbilisi, Georgia, crafts electronic music that blends dreamy ambient soundscapes with the intricate rhythms of IDM (Intelligent Dance Music). During her GRASpunt residency in October and November, she has been collaborating with three vocalists from the ensemble Slavuj—Marjolein Sprengers, Annet Bult, and Monique Boogmans—and percussionist Jonathan Bonny of Asko|Schönberg. Together, they are developing a new piece that merges traditional Georgian polyphony with electronic music through experiments in rhythm and voice. This ongoing work will be showcased in a concert where the musicians explore innovative ways to use their instruments.

Pensive Vivifier
Pensive Vivifier, an anti-disciplinary ensemble comprising Janne Kosmos, Tes Wolters Bos, and Silva Westera, fuses digital and physical worlds through video art, performance, musical compositions, and club culture. With an associative approach, humor, and sampling, they weave disparate internet content into intimate moments amid the overwhelming flow of information. During their summer residency, they explored Asko|Schönberg’s audio and video archive, working with violinist Noa Eyl and trombonist Koen Kaptijn. Their improvisations and recordings serve as the foundation for new video compositions. Pensive Vivifier will continue their residency, building toward a larger project inspired by the Matthew Passion. On December 19, they’ll present a preview featuring tabla player Heiko Dijker and harpist Eva Tebbe.

Luke Deane & Ragnar Olafsson

English composer Luke Deane, currently working on the co-production Nachtwacht by Asko|Schönberg, NITE, HIIIT and the Nederlands Kamerkoor, and also performing as his alter ego Lisa, and Icelandic guitarist Ragnar Olafsson join forces for a unique improvisational performance during GRASnacht named snake-clocks.mp4. In this collaboration, they will once again dive into the unknown and bring a mix of live music, video projections and theater play. Previously, Deane and Olafsson impressed with an innovative “TV show format,” in which they improvised on camera with their bodies, instruments and music. This time they are going a step further: they are creating a multimedia ensemble in which resting moments, sounds and images enter into a new form of interplay.

To round off the evening, Spiritual Embassy will spin an eclectic DJ set.

Want to attend GRASnacht?
Send an email to info@askoschoenberg.nl to reserve your spot!