Performers 2011 - 2012
Serge Verstockt
Composer and artistic director of Champ d’Action
Serge Verstockt studied music theory, clarinet and electronic music at the Antwerp Conservatory. In 1983 he studied at the ‘Instituut voor Sonologie’ in Utrecht with Godfired Michael Koenig where he concentrated on formal compositional methods and developed the programme ‘Trans’.
In 1988 he founded the ensemble Champ d’Action which would devote particular attention to new technological developments: live electronics, interactive computerised works, etc.
In the 1990’s, with the computer as a catalyst, imagery began to become a constant factor in his work and this resulted in a long-standing collaboration with architect Werner Van dermeersch. In 2000 they jointly realised ‘Screens’, a multimedia performance in which music and image were intrinsically airborne loudspeakers.
In 2007 Verstockt composed the music for the production ‘Requiem für eine Metamorphose’ by Jan Fabre and Troubleyn. He toured with this production at the festivals of Salzburg and Ruhr Triënnale. Performances were also held in Vilnius.
In his more recent work, Verstockt has collaborated with musicians from a range of disciplines: free-jazz musicians, heavy metalgrunters, human beatboxers, noise-makers… seeking to give a new impulse to the somewhat rigid ‘contemporary classical’ music scene. ‘Drie’, for four percussionists, six 60’s years organs and rudimentary beatboxing, unchained clarinets, piercing electric guitar and heavy electro-beats was enthusiastically received by audience and press alike.
In 2008 Serge Verstockt was commissioned by Blindman (Saxophone Quartet) to create a composition for Champ d’Action and Blindman. This resulted in Twisted Pair, a large-scale ensemble work featuring elements such as Tibetan horns and electronics. Twisted Pair has since been performed in Antwerp, Brussels and Bruges and in winter 2009 a revised version will be performed at the museum Reina Sofia in Madrid.
In late 2009 Verstockt’s multimedia production ‘Voix Instrumentalisée’ will premiere at the festival Made in Gent. The work will subsequantly be performed in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Bruges. Other future projects include a new composition with deScheldezonen (concert band) and electronics at deSingel in Antwerp (Spring 2010), a composition for Champ d’Action and the guitar quartet ZWERM (Winter 2010), the project ‘Rencontres’ in collaboration with Josse De Pauw and a new production in collaboration with CREW, the multimedia theatre compagny by Eric Joris.
Recordings of Champ d’Action include CD [03] on the Archive Series labes, featuring Feuillage du Coeur, LOW and Noumena I. Available through the Champ d’Action website for 2,00€ processing and administrative fee.
