Bach to the Future: New Improvisations on The Past
"Bach to the Future" features Mixus Mundi (Latin for “blended world”), a new group combining a variety of acoustic and electric instruments performing in the free conduction/free jazz/contemporary musical traditions. Mixus Mundi stretches the boundaries between jazz, early music, world music and improvisation Our program in conjunction with the 2026 Berkeley Early Music Festival is an astonishing experimental musical adventure encompassing the music of the Middle Ages, Baroque and current times, incorporating music by Machaut, Bach, Feldon, Zorn and trad Egyptian. One piece is based on a musical anagram of JS Bach's last name. A second piece is based on a tune by Guillaume de Machaut, a medieval composer, in the style of Ornette Coleman. We will present our version of “Lilin,“ an Arabesque-influenced free jazz score by downtown NYC composer John Zorn. The Dome Center, which aims to nurture the creation of new work by artists, musicians and dancers, is home to a performance space, artist studios, and an archive. Donations gladly accepted at the door in pay-what-you-wish manner.
Performers: Frances Feldon/musical direction & recorders;
Tom Bickley/contrabass recorder;
Lorin Benedict/voice; Jeff Bray/alto sax & voice; Bud O’Shaughnessy/ tenor sax; Jules Ryan/bass clarinet; Cary Nichols/electric guitar; Unpil Baek/ piano & recorder; Robert Milton/piano & synth;
Todd Larson/electric bass & sound design; Lena Badhia and Jeff Pera/drums & multiple percussion.