Tuning Continued: Exploring new sound worlds with Ensemble Scordatura

What happens when composers explore new ways of tuning instruments? On 5 November, the Composition Department of the Royal Conservatoire The Hague presents Tuning Continued, a concert featuring new works by composition students alongside music by American composer Harry Partch. The concert is part of the Royal Conservatoire's 200th anniversary celebrations.

Under the guidance of teachers Peter Adriaansz and Aart Strootman, composition students have written new pieces for the Amsterdam-based Ensemble Scordatura. The ensemble specialises in microtonal music, exploring sounds and harmonies beyond conventional tuning systems.

From workshop to concert

The concert is part of a larger project exploring alternative tuning systems and microtonality. In the lead-up to the performance, students take part in a Tuning Exchange Workshop led by Adriaansz and Strootman. During the workshop, they experiment with different approaches to tuning and share their musical ideas.

The project brings together composition, experimentation and performance, giving students the opportunity to explore new musical possibilities and hear their compositions performed by professional musicians.

Unusual instruments with a special history

The concert features replicas of instruments developed by American composer Harry Partch, including the Diamond Marimba, Adapted Viola, Adapted Guitars and Chromelodeon. These instruments produce sounds that differ from those of traditionally tuned instruments.

One instrument has a special connection to the Royal Conservatoire: Aart Strootman built the Diamond Marimba using wood from the conservatoire's former building on Juliana van Stolberglaan.

Founded in 2006, Ensemble Scordatura brings together established works of microtonal music and new compositions. The ensemble consists of Chris Rainier, Alfrun Schmid, Reinier van Houdt and Elisabeth Smalt.

Experience Tuning Continued

The concert takes place on Thursday 5 November at 19.30 in the Conservatoriumzaal. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

Reserve your free ticket

Programme

Harry Partch – The Rose
Harry Partch – Progressions within One Octave
Harry Partch – The Lord is My Shepherd
Harry Partch – The Letter
Harry Partch – Barstow, Eight Hitchhikers’ Inscriptions

Interval

Ilija Maršićević – Placeholder
Julian de Looff – Hymn
Nirita Yakthumba – Chhaya
Gustav Spoormaker – Dual Identities
Elsa Susnjara – A Still - Volcano - Life
Gabriel Fábregas Engels – Hot Plasma
Viktor Semius – An androgynous death by enlightenment

Ensemble Scordatura: Chris Rainier, Alfrun Schmid, Reinier van Houdt and Elisabeth Smalt.