Nothing Happens, Twice
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Sun 26 Oct 202520:00 - 21:00Excl. drankjeKleine Zaal
Program
John Cage In A Landscape Solo with Obbligato Accompaniment of Two Voices in Canon, and Six Short Inventions / Nocturne / Living Room Music / Clarinet Sonata / Dream
Emile Daems Nothing Happens, Twice
Credits
Ferre Vuye play
Stan Martens play
Tille Van Gastel flute
Emile Souvagie clarinet
Alexander Declercq piano
Composer John Cage and writer Samuel Beckett each produced their most famous work in 1953. What’s even more remarkable is that these are creations where, emphatically, nothing happens. The double stillness of Cage’s 4’33” and Beckett’s Waiting for Godot profoundly intrigued clarinet virtuoso and young creator Emile Souvagie, a member of the Belgian ensemble I SOLISTI. His fascination sparked the witty and somewhat absurdist performance Nothing Happens, Twice for two actors and three musicians. Why do we come to a standstill – and what does that say about our world?
In 4’33”, the pianist does not touch the piano and silence reigns. In Waiting for Godot, the title character never shows up. Both Cage and Beckett, for the first time, made emptiness the protagonist. Souvagie explores how the two icons of modernism arrived at their groundbreaking ideas and how their influence persists within our culture. The programme includes Cage’s early compositions from the 1930s and 40s: surprisingly melodic music that occasionally foreshadows his future experimental spirit.
I SOLISTI and Muziekgebouw Production House collaborate on a structural basis to support young creators. 
