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Exploring loss and self-transcendence: a multimedia concert project for 5 musicians

“It was something I had to do.” - CROC is a full-length production by LUX:NM with composer James Black on the subject of “Transcending loss”. The starting point is the life of Larry “Lawnchair Larry” Walters. In 1982, he launched a deckchair from his garden with the help of more than 40 helium-filled weather balloons.



After initially floating successfully, he became entangled in power lines and was rescued by the fire department. After his landing, he told the press: “It was something I had to do. I had this dream for twenty years. If I hadn't done it, I would probably have ended up in a mental institution.”


What resonates is the question:

was it worth it? Was it peaceful up there? What was the price of realizing his dream? Walters took his own life at the age of 44. Is it possible to float above your own life?


“CROC” poses profound questions about human existence and experience, and the structure of the play revolves around the search for a state of lightness, letting go and clarity that is sought in many facets of life. The audience is taken on a captivating journey through scenes that embody this quest.


Various artistic means of expression are used:

choreography, instrumental performance (with a focus on musical gestures, sound, electronics and contemporary composed music in combination with pop elements), video installation, theatrical elements, vocal and text elements.


James Black is a composer and performer from Bristol, UK. He lives in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is Artistic Director of the KLANG Festival - Copenhagen for Experimental Music.


The LUX:NM contemporary music ensemble Berlin is an ensemble for contemporary music that has gained an international reputation for its authentic and energetic interpretations of new music.

The ensemble was founded in 2010 on the initiative of Ruth Velten and Silke Lange from several soloists in order to develop self-determined and versatile chamber music programs with a tonally flexible line-up. LUX:NM sees itself as an initiator and developer of new concepts in contemporary music.

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Additional information
Funded by: initiative neue musik berlin e.V., Media partner: field notes
Participating artists
James Black (Komposition/Text)
James Black (Video)
Ensemble LUX:NM (Ruth Velten (Saxophon/Performance), Florian Juncker (Posaune
/Performance), Silke Lange (Akkordeon
/Performance), Neus Estarellas Calderón (Klavier / Performance), Zoé Cartier (Violoncello/Performance), Martin Offik (Klangregie))
Victor Neves (Video)
Dates
November 2024
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