Distractfold Ensemble is a new group dedicated to the performance of contemporary music in Northern England (Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, York). Merging sound and space the ensemble is presenting live instrumental performance, live sound processing, recorded sound and video compositions in unconventional venues aiming to dim boundaries between performers and audiences. The audience is immersed in a performance where sound, produced by both acoustic and electronic instruments, is subtly amplified and mixed dynamically across an array of speakers strategically distributed around the space. At the core of Distractfold's work there is a flexible group of internationally recognised musicians specialised in contemporary music. The group is directed by its two resident composers, Mauricio Pauly and Sam Salem, who specialize in instrumental and acousmatic music respectively.

Felix Niël - flute, Rocío Bolaños - clarinet, Linda Jankowska - violin, Naomi Burrell - violin, Emma Richards - viola, Alice Purton - cello, Constantin Popp - sound diffusion

Programme:

URBAN ADAGIO, stereo acousmatic work, Georges Forget (FR/CAN)

POSTCARD, for violin and clarinet, 2008, Felipe Lara (Brazil/US). UK premiere

FAR-OFF, for string trio, 2012, Santiago Díez-Fischer (Argentina/France). DfE Commission – world premiere

CLINAMEN CLINAMEN CLINAMEN, for clarinet and string quartet, 2009, Mauricio Pauly (Costa Rica/UK).

THE SUN WARMS THE MEMORY, stereo acousmatic work, 2011, Sam Salem (UK). UK premiere

Interval music: Pantha du Prince - Diamond Daze