Biennale Musica 2023 Goes Fully Electronic with Micro-Music Theme

The 67th International Festival of Contemporary Music, part of La Biennale di Venezia, opened on October 16 with a concert by Morton Subotnick, followed by Robert Henke's audiovisual performance CBM 8032 AV. Under the direction of Lucia Ronchetti, this year's edition is entirely dedicated to electronic music, titled Micro-Music. The festival features computers and organs instead of traditional violins and pianos. Highlights include Miller S. Puckette (winner of the Silver Lion) and Irwin performing Knock, an improvisational piece blending computer-generated music with live percussion. A less convincing performance was Kali Malone's Trinity Form on October 20 at San Pietro di Castello, featuring Malone on organ, Lucy Railton on cello, and Stephen O'Malley on acoustic guitar, criticized for lacking musical evolution. The Sonic Acts Night on October 20 at Teatro delle Tese in the Arsenale showcased DJs and performers from the Amsterdam-based organization, embracing club culture. Two more club nights are scheduled for the festival's conclusion.