UK's Largest Gathering of Theremenists Set For July
May 18, 2007
All theremin players and enthusiasts are invited to the "Hands Off 2007" UK Theremin Symposium, running from 27th to 30th July 2007. The Purcell School of Music near Watford will be the venue for a series of workshops, demonstrations, masterclasses and concerts performed on this unique electronic instrument by some of the world's greatest thereminists.
The theremin was one of the first electronic instruments, invented in 1919 by Russian scientist Lev Termen (later anglicised to Leon Theremin). It has a unique, almost human sound which is controlled by the performer's hand movements in the air around the instrument without ever touching it. Most people are familiar with the sound of the instrument from its use in science fiction films from the fifties and sixties such as "The Day The Earth Stood Still" or thrillers like Hitchcock's "Spellbound".
This weekend-long symposium will feature demonstrations of how theremins work, given by UK theremin makers Jake Rothman and Tony Bassett. Attendees will be shown some of the various different methods developed to play the instrument, what effects to use with theremin and will be guided through to the finer points of classical and avant garde techniques during workshops given by leading thereminsts Lydia Kavina and Wilco Botermans.
Following the formally organised activities there will be opportunity for evening jam sessions, group discussions and socialising. There will also be separate rooms available for one-to-one tuition with classical thereminists Lydia Kavina and Carolina Eyck. The event will reach its climax with an all-star theremin concert featuring some of the best players from all over the world including Barbara Buchholz (Germany), Charlie Draper (UK), Carolina Eyck (Germany) and Jon Bernhardt (USA).
The total cost for the whole event, including meals and accomodation is £150. Places are limited. Bookings received before June will be entered into a prize draw to win a PreSonus Firepod.
For more information, visit their web site at www.theremin.org.uk.
| 
