MEDIA

Latest Premiere

Shared, In Balanced Contrast

Co-created by Aleyna Brown and Elijah J. Thomas

Co-composed by flutist-improviser-creators Elijah J. Thomas and Aleyna M. Brown, “Shared, In Balanced Contrast” is a flute and multimedia exploration of the balance between shared and separate spaces, freedom and structure, and contrast. The collaboration between Thomas and Brown was birthed during the International Contemporary Ensemble 2021 workshop “Ensemble Evolution,” focused on arts equity and activism. Throughout the discussions and teachings of EVO2021, Thomas and Brown came together in an enlightened understanding of the protection of separate and shared spaces--when music seeks to protect and when music seeks to break barriers. They also bonded over their affinity for Baroque flute music and its balance between structure and freedom in improvisation. Together, they created a shared space, in balanced contrast. Musical elements of contrast include drones and clusters with separate flourishes and extended techniques sharing the sonic space. Monochrome visual design highlights contrasting elements of shadows--explored by dancing hands and bodies, fashion, and abstractions. The black and white cinematography also pays respect to the Black and white co-creators, observing and respecting their spaces, both separate and shared.