Qasim Naqvi: Slow Television
Roulette509 Atlantic Ave, New York 11217
Qasim Naqvi brings Slow Television, his Roulette commission, to the stage in two forms. The evening pairs a solo study for modular synthesizer with a chamber work for piano, string trio and three improvisers. Naqvi is joined by alto saxophonist Caroline Davis, guitarist Grey McMurray and bassist Scott Colberg, alongside International Contemporary Ensemble members Josh Modney on violin, Miranda Cuckson on viola, Michael Nicholas on cello and Erika Dohi on piano.
Brooklyn-based Pakistani-American percussionist, composer and synthesist Naqvi is best known as the drummer in Dawn of Midi, described as a “lauded cult minimalist trio.” His work extends through film, dance, theatre, installation and chamber music, with commissions and performances involving the London Contemporary Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, Crash Ensemble, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Jennifer Koh, Stargaze and Cello Octet Amsterdam. He has also made original music with documentarian Laura Poitras and artist-filmmaker Naeem Mohaiemen. Reviews of his recordings have called Teenages “subtle, sparse and strange,” praised music that builds “patiently” while allowing “long near-silences,” and described Endling as “terribly beautiful and beautifully terrible.”
Roulette occupies a beautifully restored 1928 Art Deco theater in Downtown Brooklyn, offering a spacious concert hall with a dramatic proscenium and a balcony that seats up to 400. The venue is known for its exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making every note clear from front to back. Shows here focus on adventurous and experimental music, often featuring world premieres and collaborations across disciplines. The audience is typically attentive, drawn by the venue's commitment to innovative performances rather than casual socializing. A full bar is available, and seating is flexible, with cushioned chairs arranged to suit each event. The venue’s professional sound and lighting systems enhance the experience, and performances are ticketed, with advance purchase recommended. Expect an evening of thoughtful, boundary-pushing art in a setting that respects both the performers and the audience.