MeSm
MeSm is a duo of Roel Meelkop and Jos Smolders. Both musicians have been part of the Dutch experimental avant-garde since the mid 1980s. A few years ago Smolders radically shifted from laptop and computer based composition to the hands-on and much more tactile approach of the modular synthesizer. Currently he is regarded as one of those who really masters the patches. His idea of accurately pre-composed works has been abandoned in favor of a completely open approach. He translated the ideas of 'here and now' that are common in Zen practice to the stage. This offers a perfect match with the developments of Roel Meelkop. Jos and Roel have been partners in legendary electro acoustic improvisers THU20. Meelkop also has shifted towards meditative sessions and uses singing bowls, gongs, feathers as well as bows as his sonic tools.
Together they now form MeSm, a perfect blend of acoustics and electronics. The performances of MeSm are sparse, unrehearsed and develop at the very moment of performance. To enhance the listener's attention an atmosphere of concentration is created. There are no and there will be no public recordings of MeSm's performances. You experience the sounds when they are created, and only then. This too, enhances the attention of everyone present.
Jos Smolders – Modulaire synthesizer
Roel Meelkop – gongs, klankschalen, drums, water gong,
Katy Glow
Katy’s music explores the stylistical points of a possible junctions between classical, ambient, folk and minimalism. Dubbed “the next star from the East” (“Junge Welt”), she came into the international spotlight with album “Red Sun” (Bolt Records, 2014).
Ilya Ziblat
Ilya Ziblat is a composer and a performer. His works mix between instruments and electronics, combining composed structures with improvisation. He has composed music for dance and for silent film, as well as, collaborated with many video- and visual- artists. He has worked with such musicians as Ensemble MAE (in collaboration with Leine & Roebana dance company), the Israeli ensembles Meitar and Musica Nova, St. George strings (Serbia), and bass player John Eckhardt. His music has been played in many international venues and festivals: as Teatros de Canal Madrid, National Philarmony Lithuania, ISCM World Music Days 2012 Antwerp, International Review of Composers Belgrade, haTeiva Tel Aviv, and Nanko Sunset Hall Osaka.
He plays contrabass / bass guitar, as a performer of composed works, and as an improvisor. During the years 2011-13 he has performed extensively together with the improv trio Hatzatz (with Maya Felixbrodt and Tomer Harari). Since 2008 he regularly collaborates with singer Elisenda Pujals in a voice-bass duo project, dedicated to performing contemporary repertoire and newly commissioned pieces. Together they have performed on various stages in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy and Israel. In 2013 they have been invited to give a masterclass for composers & singers at the music department of the University of East Anglia, Norwich.
After studying composition and contrabass at the Rubin academy, Tel Aviv University, Ilya moved to the Hague to study at the conservatory. He is currently working on a PhD thesis in artistic research (Leiden University).