Francis Dhomont will present a portrait-concert, on July 4, 2008, as part of the Komposition Und Musikwissenschaft Im Dialog series taking place at the Universität zu Köln’s Musikwissenschaftliches Institut in Cologne (Germany).

In concert with Simon Trottier, Nicolas Bernier provided one of the most astonishing, most beautiful, most adventurous 12rec.net-releases. Probably many of you remember Objet abandonné en mer. The guys were quite active during the last year, working hard to bring Objet to stages around Montréal. But Bernier’s musical output is far more versatile. In close cooperation with his own Ekumen collective and No Type Netlabel, several records had been published before. Now, two new records are available for download and CD-purchase.

First of all, there’s a fine EP of collective improvisation music to fetch at No Type. Alongside Alexis Bellavance and Érick d’Orion, Nicolas Bernier provides expanded electroacoustic collages, field-recordings and subtle ambient textures. Especially the first two tracks Le duel and Paysage made me listen up. The art of this Montréal triple is to bring their academic sonic research to musical forms. Fresh!

Second — and here we need a drum roll! — Nicolas Bernier published his first real solo record. The album is entitled Les arbres and comes off as a CD with six fine poster cards by graphic designer Urban9 (who also did the art for Objet). Six exquisite songs of crackling textures, harmonic drones and ambient extravaganza. Les arbres is released at No Type but no free download. This is what the label says about it:

“Sonic landscapes and slow textures meet with precise articulations, all this resting on a minimal orchestration made of guitars, brass instruments, vibes, accordions and strings. In short: a stimulating record, a remarkable attention to detail and excellent production quality, making for an unfailingly rewarding listening experience.”

Purchase, baby!

The 5th edition of the Festival di interpretazione della musica acusmatica in Cagliari (Italia) will take place from June 26-29, 2008 at the Università di Cagliari (Facoltà di lettere e filosofia). The opening day will be dedicated to a round-table conference followed by a series of double concert programmes curated respectively by Stéphane Roy and Beatriz Ferreyra; Diego Losa and Leo Kupper; Lucio Garau and Åke Parmerud. Also, the piece Les Territoires secrets by Stéphane Roy will be premiered as part of the Lucio Garau concert (June 29).

On June 19, 2008 at festival Suoni Per Il Popolo: Intr_version and Natacha’s Recordings labels present Désormais (Mitchell Akiyama & Tony Boggs aka Joushua Treble), Mark Templeton, and Le Peuplier de Simon (Simon Bélair’s solo project) at Casa Del Popolo, 9 pm. Moreover, Nicolas Bernier and Simon Trottier will be in concert at La Sala Rossa at 8:30 pm.

The videomusics This is a portrait and Orchid by Milliseconde topographie, and Un regard sur la ville by Elsa Justel will be presented on June 19, 2008 as part of the Champs Libres event in Strasbourg (France).

The winners of the 35th Bourges’ International Competitions of Electroacoustic Music and Sound Art have been anounced. Amongst others, the following works have been awarded: Orages d’acier by Georges Forget (prize, Degree I — residence); Internal Combustion by Jonty Harrison (mention, Degree II — Trivium/Quadrivium); Walk That Way. Tuesday, Turn. by Pierre Alexandre Tremblay (mention, 7th category: work for multimedia); and L’accordéon du Diable by João Pedro Oliveira (Degree III — Magisterium).