Ictus: 'Samarkand'

7:30 PM: Introduction with Piet Van Bockstal (oboe) and Jean-Luc Fafchamps (composer-piano)

Samarkand, the ancient Persian – now Uzbek – city on the Silk Road between China and the Middle East, inspired the Canadian composer Claude Vivier to write a composition for wind quintet and piano. 'Samarkand' is part of Vivier's cycle around Marco Polo and his fantastic journey. More than just the name of a city, Samarkand is a concept that appeals to the imagination. Ictus takes us on a journey through the imagination of three composers from our postmodern era. Just like Vivier, Mochizuki and Fafchamps strive for direct musical experience and great emotional impact. The materials they use in the musical process are simple and neutral. However, this remains demanding chamber music that calls on the musicians' entire muscular apparatus and is therefore as spectacular to hear as it is to see.