Throughout September, the Month of Contemporary Music (Monat der zeitgenössischen Musik) presents musicians, composers and ensembles from Berlin that work in the realm of new music, sound art, music theatre, echtzeitmusik and improvisation. They take to the stages of both established concert halls and opera houses and independent spaces and clubs.
To call the Month of Contemporary Music a festival would be pure understatement. With its approximately 150 events in 65 venues in just four weeks, the Month of Contemporary Music is not only more than comprehensive, but also a reliable barometer of current trends in the field of contemporary music. On the one hand, this is because its programme is not curated by a central organisation, instead stemming directly from the independent scene. And on the other hand, due to this it comprises a multiplicity of different artistic approaches under its umbrella, allowing us to identify aesthetic overlaps and threads running through this heterogeneous community.
A large number of projects at this year’s sixth edition undertake musical and intermedial border crossings, seeking proximity to other genres and fields, and an in-depth exploration of new approaches to trans-traditional music. The growing urge of music to take a stand on social and political issues is also clearly noticeable: Many of the projects examine the relationship between art and activism, sound and ecology, and aspects of coming together from different perspectives. Contemporary chamber and organ music with numerous world premieres and Berlin specialities such as sound art, echtzeitmusik and improvisation are of course important components of this year’s programme, rounded out by two festivals dedicated to electro-acoustic music. Participatory formats and an opportunity for children offer hands-on involvement.
At the opening event at the FAHRBEREITSCHAFT on September 2nd, new works will focus on the phenomenon of the street. The ensemble KNM Berlin has for the first time worked with the turntable duo Vinyl -terror & -horror, who has composed a new piece for the ensemble and will perform a live set as well. In addition to that, Vladimir Gorlinsky’s »Spatial Flashes« will incorporate the public space into its performance, while Anton Koshelev uses »Complex personality« to explore the interplay between individuals and larger organisms. The evening will be rounded off by a DJ set by Théo Pozoga a.k.a. Strip Steve and a fine selection of natural wines (by Digital in Berlin), offering attendants a chance to connect with musicians, event organisers, audience, local politicians and other movers and shakers from Berlin’s cultural landscape.
Month of Contemporary Music | 01–30.09.2022 at various locations in Berlin
1—30.09.2022 | Various venues in Berlin / full program
