Oene Van Geel (Netherlands) and Motoko Honda (Japan/U.S.), two innovative master improvisers and virtuosic performer-composers well versed in both traditional and extended techniques, come together to create free-spirited soundscapes driven by their common passion for adventurous music, visual arts and interdisciplinary collaborations. VPRO Boy Edgar Prize winner Van Geel has been making significant contributions to the Dutch and European jazz scene and critically acclaimed "Keyboard Alchemist" (Los Angeles Times) Honda has been playing a major role in progressive jazz and contemporary music scene in the U.S. for decades, this spectacular duo will take audiences to a colorful, deeply imaginative and exciting world of endless sonic possibilities.
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Biographies
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THE VIOLIST, PERCUSSIONIST, SINGER
Oene van Geel (1973) is a musical adventurer. Influenced by jazz, Indian music, chamber music and free improvisation, he uses his virtuoso improvisation skills and his talent for composition for a wide range of musical activities.
He has toured Europe, the Middle East, India, Japan, the United States and Canada.
In addition to playing with his own formations, he is regularly invited as an improvising guest soloist.
He received the VPRO Boy Edgar Prize (2013), the Sena Performers Toonzetters Prize (2012, with Zapp4), the Kersjes Prize (2005, with Zapp4), the Deloitte Jazz Award (2002), the Dutch Jazz Competition (2001) and the Jur Music Prize Naessens Music Prize (2000).
THE COMPOSER
Oene is most active in music theater and chamber music. He composed for: Dutch National Opera, Pynarello, The Netherlands Wind Ensemble, Holland Opera, Liza Ferschtman + Calefax, Frederieke Saeijs, Niladri Kumar, The Dudok Quartet, The David Kweksilber Big Band, The Osiris Trio, Emlyn Stam + New European Ensemble, Black Pencil Ensemble, Amstel Quartet, Nizar Rohana, Remy van Kesteren and Eric Vloeimans, Erik Bosgraaf, Steven Kamperman Quintet, Jeugdorkest Nederland, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, Matangi Quartet, Calefax, Tetzepi bigtet, the Ricciotti Ensemble, Nicolay Shugaev, David Braid and many others.
Oene is a member of Nieuw Geneco (Composers Union) since December 2016.
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Motoko Honda is a concert pianist, composer, and sound artist who has created a distinctive sound through her holistic approach to music, and her exceptional sensitivity in relating to other art forms and technologies. Employing a "virtuoso technique paired with her intensely imaginative mind" (Susan Dirende, L.A. Splash Magazine), and with stylistic influences ranging from jazz, world music to contemporary prepared piano with electronics, Motoko's compositions and structured improvisations are intended to affect the skin, organs and minds of the listener rather than simple recitations of rhythmic and harmonic themes. Called both a "keyboard alchemist" (Chris Barton, L.A. Times), and the "embodiment of a muse" (Greg Burk, Metaljazz), Motoko's performances transport audiences on sonic adventures that transcend the boundaries and conventions of contemporary music.
Since 1997, Motoko has been featured at various national and international venues and festivals such as the Angel City Jazz Festival, the 19th San Quirico Estate Festival, Spark International Electronic Music Festival, and S.F Music Day, performing classical, contemporary, jazz and experimental music. Through her Sound Escape Project, founded in 2003, she has performed with many acclaimed improvisers and artists such as Wadada Leo Smith, Elliott Sharp, Nels Cline, Mike Watt, Ben Wendel, Lucas Ligeti, dancer OGURI, Roxanne Steinberg, Maureen Whiting, and visual artist Carole Kim and Ian Winters. A notable ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration is a research project with Jesse Gilbert’s sound-visual program Spectral GL, integrating music and visual information into one cohesive experience in concerts and installation settings.
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At home in classical, contemporary, improvised, or electronic music, Motoko is a musical force of nature, bringing a unique and creative approach to her wide-ranging concerts and collaborations. Her appearances include major theaters, museums and jazz venues such as the Ford Amphitheater, Hammer Museum, REDCAT/MOCA, SCI-ARC, the Barnsdall Gallery Theater, Moody Center for the Arts in Houston, Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, the Herbst Theater, the Taube Atrium Theater, The Stone in N.Y, and Cattedrale di Siena in Italy.
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As a specialist in structured improvisation, composition, extended piano techniques, interdisciplinary projects and electro-acoustic music strategy, Motoko also has been invited to give numerous lecture/performances by national and international universities and institutions such as UC Santa Cruz, Rice University in Houston TX, University of Illinois, California State University Fullerton, CA, Tokyo Zohkei University, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, and Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan.
Let’s Work Together
I'm very open to collaborate, play, record and compose music for special events, films, theater works, dance, interdisciplinary projects, chamber and orchestra music and more..
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Feel free to email me: info@motokohonda.com