Darmstadt at 80 Festival: International Contemporary Ensemble x Tri-Centric plays Anthony Braxton’s Thunder Music // GBSR Duo plays Stockhausen’s Kontakte
International Contemporary Ensemble, Tri-Centric, GBSR Duo
Roulette509 Atlantic Ave, New York 11217
Darmstadt at 80 Festival brings two major works of postwar and contemporary experimental music to Roulette. The evening opens with GBSR Duo, described as a chamber ensemble, performing Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Kontakte. Members of the International Contemporary Ensemble join the Tri-Centric Orchestra for the New York premiere of Anthony Braxton’s most recent concert work, Thunder Music. This is the second night of a two-night mini-festival marking the 80th anniversary of the Internationales Musikinstitut Darmstadt’s Summer Course for New Music. Archival listening sessions and lectures exploring Darmstadt’s legacy and continuing influence are also part of both festival nights.
Braxton is described by the festival as a legendary composer, and Thunder Music is presented here as his latest concert work. The Internationales Musikinstitut Darmstadt’s Summer Course for New Music is characterized as a global meeting point for postwar experimentation, exchange, and creative risk. That history frames the pairing of Stockhausen’s Kontakte with Braxton’s new work: a program connecting a foundational Darmstadt-associated figure with a living composer whose music continues to expand the concert tradition. The performers bring together members of the International Contemporary Ensemble and Tri-Centric Orchestra, alongside GBSR Duo, for a focused night within the anniversary celebration.
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.