MATTHEW HERBERT – 20 PIANOS

‘Avant electronic explorer’ Matthew Herbert brings to life twenty historical pianos, in a virtual performance.

Twenty pianos from all over the world, each with its own timbre, tuning and history – from a Steinway at the Sydney Opera House to a battered old primary school piano and the instrument John Lennon composed Imagine on. In this composition by Matthew Herbert, icon of experimental electronic dance music, the pianos are all ‘ beamed up’ virtually.

With the use of the latest techniques, pianist Sam Beste turns a simple table into a virtual piano. As well as calling up the sounds of the original pianos, he also illustrates the pianos’ fascinating histories with photos and other documentation. The result is a Proustian evocation of piano memory, giving the featured instruments infinite depth.

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.00 til 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance). It is not possible to reserve tickets for this concert.