LAUNCH
First performance: 21.01.2026 @ H15, Copenhagen
A programme of works that engage with intense physical presence, focus and connection between the on-stage performers. Curated by Matthew Grouse and Joss Smith
Programme:
Matthew Grouse - Do this, do that… but not that and not quite yet [2024] || for accordion, viola, live video/electronics and audience
Joss Smith - for the birds [2025] || for two performers (1: organ, voice, glockenspiel / 2: e-guitar, voice)
Cathy Van Eck - Wings [2007/2008] || for three performers with large shields + live electronics
Adriana Minu - Breathe [2020] || for two accordions
Anna Sowa - Piece for saxophone and violin player [2020] || for two performers
Laurence Crane - Sparling [1992] || for clarinet and guitar
Performers:
Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir - Viola + performance
Jónas Ásgeir Ásgeirsson - Accordion + performance
Joss Smith - Clarinet, organ, voice + performance
Matthew Grouse - Guitar, accordion, voice + performance
Stills by ©Spektrals
Do this, do that... but not that and not quite yet - Matthew Grouse
for the birds - Joss Smith
for the birds - Joss Smith
Wings - Cathy van Eck
Wings - Cathy van Eck
Breathe - Adriana Minu
Piece for saxophone and violin player - Anna Sowa
Piece for saxophone and violin player - Anna Sowa
Sparling - Laurence Crane
Do this, do that... but not that and not quite yet - Matthew Grouse
Wings - Cathy van Eck
for the birds - Joss Smith
Do this, do that... but not that and not quite yet - Matthew Grouse
Do this, do that... but not that and not quite yet - Matthew Grouse
Wings - Cathy van Eck
Video documentation (visuals by Spektrals / sound mix by Aske Vang Rasmussen)
Do this, do that … but not that and not quite yet | Matthew Grouse
Performed by Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir (viola) & Jónas Ásgeir Ásgeirsson (accordion)
Two musicians stare intensely into each other's eyes and engage in a staring contest. If their opponent blinks, a chain of consequential sonic and performative responses are set into action. Eventually, myriad instructions that have been fed to the performers' earphones end up being addressed directly to the audience, who are invited to engage in various reactive games involving blinking, vocal percussion, deep listening, both with fellow audience members and the on-stage performers.
for the birds | Joss Smith
Performed by Joss Smith (organ, glockenspiel and voice) & Matthew Grouse (e-guitar and voice)
Wings | Cathy van Eck
Performed by Joss Smith, Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir & Jónas Ásgeir Ásgeirsson
One loudspeaker and three microphones are placed opposite eachother. The volume is turned up, and acoustic feedback occurs between the microphones and speaker. Three performers manipulate the feedback by shifting foam-board panels around, creating new spaces with every movement and therefore also changing the space, in which the feedback can resonate. Depending of the placement of the shields and of the pitches of the feedback, the sound is processed differently by the computer
Breathe | Adriana Minu
Performed by Matthew Grouse and Jónas Ásgeir Ásgeirsson (accordions)
To be read aloud before the performance:
"In your own time, take a breath then let it go.
Matt and Jónas will breathe with their accordions. First by themselves, then together. We invite you to join in with your breath - for a while, or for the journey - and breathe together with them.“
Piece for saxophone and violin player | Anna Sowa
Performed by Þórhildur Magnúsdóttir & Jónas Ásgeir Ásgeirsson
Sparling | Laurence Crane
Performed by Joss Smith (clarinet) and Matthew Grouse (guitar)
Ear Transplant are grateful to the following foundations for supporting our inaugural concert season: KODA Kultur, Knud Højgaards Fond, Poul Johansen Fonden, Nordjyllandsfonden, Dansk Musiker Forbund, Københavns Kommune, William Demant Fonden, Hoffman og Husmans Fond