who?
The
Robert Minden DUO
is
the creative partnership of Carla Hallett and Robert Minden. Working together,
since 1986, in recording and performance projects, they formed the Duo in
1996 to explore an allusive world of storytelling and song. A
relentless pursuit of the sonic possibilities of urban junk and children's
toys inspires their creations. Recordings and live performance mix Minden's
storytelling and Hallett's experimental vocals with uncommon acoustic instruments
(musical saws, waterphones, toy piano, theremin, children's toys and found
sounds) creating a dramatic mix.
Sometimes described as "the house band at the restaurant at the end of the
universe."(Gary Norris, Canadian Press), their latest CD,
are
you now,
"...superb sonic treat...",
suggests a curious acoustic soundscape like a folk music from an invented
world.
The
Minden Duo's live concerts,
continue to surprise
and tour to select venues and festivals.
The work is sometimes
melodic, sometimes microtonal, percussive, experimental, brimming with enthusiasm
for acoustic sounds. While there are classical references the music moves
towards the exploration of acoustic sound sources using invented instruments
and found sound, the listener invited to explore sounds as sounds and the
ideas that sounds embody.
Recognizing the vital role of the arts in education the
Minden DUO
continues to produce work for young audience. Lost
Sound, Found Sound,
a live school performance
and hands on workshops, is recognized
internationally by educators for inspiring children to focus their creative
abilities. Educational
projects have included collaboration with:
The
Kennedy Center, Washington DC, 1991
The National Arts Center, Ottawa, English Theatre, Youth & Family Series,
1991, 1995
The Lincoln Center Institute for the Arts in Education, NYC
1993, 1994
The Faculty of Education, The University of British Columbia, 1994
The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles, Institute for Educators and "ArtSource",
the Center's Study Guide to the Performing Arts, 1998
Carl
Orff Canada National Convention, Vancouver, 2000
Prologue To The Performing Arts, Toronto, 1999
Inner City Angels, Toronto, 1995, 2001, 2002
Multicultural Arts in the School Curriculum (MASC), Ottawa, 1999, 2001, 2005
The Victoria School Of Performing and Visual Arts, Edmonton, 2003
The Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada, 1999,
2002, 2003, 2004
C.W. Post Institute for Arts & Culture, Tilles Center for the Performing Arts,
Long Island University, 2004, 2005
April 29 2008
Robert Minden Duo Launch Ontario Tour
Robert
Minden & Carla Hallett, in their twenty-first year of touring, will bring
their original performance to communities
in southern Ontario May 2008.
The
21-performance tour begins May 12. bringing the Minden DUO’s unusual
approach to music into schools in
Ottawa, Gloucester, Lombardy, Merrickville, Madoc and Toronto. While in Ottawa,
The DUO will perform
at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and will end their tour with a concert
for Toronto’s SoundaXis new music Festival
at the Music Gallery, June 1. The tour is supported by the Canada Council
for the Arts.
photo: nancy walker