Israel-based orchestra Castle in Time
Israel-based orchestra Castle in Time, which experiments with groove, jazz, texture, avant-garde, classical contemporary, electro-acoustic, minimalism and live composition sound languages, will return to India after two years. At the invitation of the Israel Embassy and music production company Mixtape, the orchestra will be joined by Indian percussionist-composer Trilok Gurtu for their Harmonies in Time Tour.
Its association with Trilok dates back to 2017 and is based on the merit of their dexterity in making improvements. “In fact, one of the reasons we introduced live composition into the orchestra’s repertoire was Trilok. When we began our collaboration in 2017, it was clear to me that in addition to scoring written scores, we should be able to interact with Trilok through improvisation,” says Matan Daskal, co-founder of the orchestra.
With clinical precision, Mutton dissects the anatomy of improvisation, describing it as an elaborate and fun experience when done in a small group. “But imagine what happens when you hire 25 musicians and ask them to improvise. It has the potential to end up chaotic, messy and without clear direction. This helps us develop our live composition communication skills. Got it.
Members of Orchestra Castle in Time
On its previous tour, in 2020, the orchestra performed in Mumbai, Pune and Chennai as part of the Global Isai Festival and created live compositions on stage using conduction and sound-painting. He staged a gig in Bangalore with the Bangalore School Orchestra as part of the East-West Music and Dance Encounter. “The trip left a strong impression on us and we yearned to return. When we were in India in 2020, I wrote an email to Trilok from the hotel, saying ‘If one day we could have a perform together, it can be amazing’, and I can’t believe this day is coming soon enough,” says Mutton.
The Castle in Time Orchestra was formed in 2013 as an independent, contemporary and large ensemble with acoustic and electronic instruments. Mutton informs: “The orchestra serves with a desire to expand the boundaries and research fields of sounds and performative behaviours. The name of the orchestra: Castle in Time is a quote from the book by Abraham Joshua Heschel. sabbath, where he describes the seventh Sabbath as a palace in time, a place to return to each week where time seems different. I like the idea that time is a place.”
orchestra performing in israel
One of the most challenging tasks for Mutton is maintaining the orchestra “because it is not a profitable organization, especially when the orchestra performs music that is not mainstream”. It is the joy of making music and collaborating with a variety of artists that binds the musicians together in an orchestra. “The struggle is worth it. We get deep satisfaction from collaborative creation and from experiencing the shared energy being created with the audience on stage and in rehearsal.
For now, the members of the orchestra are stitching a symphony, note by note, that transcends all generational and cultural divides. He is impressed by Trilok’s skill and does not shy away from giving him credit for influencing his compositions; As Mattan says: “He influenced the way we compose, and we are truly inspired and humbled to share a space with him.”
They will perform at 1AQ, Delhi on 11th February.