FILMS | theresponseproject

THE OLIVEROS RESPONSE PROJECT

The world is only just beginning to understand the depth of influence late composer Pauline Oliveros has had on our lives and our work. Her focus on”deep listening” taught us to listen “in every possible way to every possible thing”. In particular, her 25 Sonic Meditations embodied her generous compositional spirit, offering opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to learn “how to focus on, listen to, and produce sound naturally.”

The Oliveros Response Project is a four-part series, created as a city-wide response to Pauline Oliveros' Sonic Meditations.The program intent is to explore the intersection between historical building preservation, mindfulness, and classical music performance. Throughout the four films, audiences are invited into a unique historical landscape to witness its ruin and revival, and in turn, they learn to listen more mindfully not only to music, but also to themselves and to their community. As such, each film begins with a documentary-style historical overview of the space, then moves into a guided meditation, and concludes with a musical performance.

Filmed during pandemic lockdown of 2020, these films explore the importance of self awareness and reflection at a time when many were faced with uncertainty, as well as fulfilling the desire to create art and entertain during a moment in history when shared social experiences were not possible.

IMPERIAL THEATER

This short film explores Deep Listening in Imperial Theatre Mohawk, a historic building in Cincinnati. The Imperial was originally built as a vaudeville theater, and has served the community in many ways over its hundred-year history. It is not currently open to the public.

Musician: Denielle Wilson (cello)

Music: "Calvary Ostinato" from Lamentations by African-American composer Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson

KAUFFMAN BREWING TUNNELS

This film explores the Kauffman Brewing Tunnels, part of historic Cincinnati's underground beer brewery infrastructure. These tunnels were constructed over 150 years ago, and were forgotten to the world until recently. They are not currently open to the public, but tours could be available as part of the Brewing Heritage Trail.

Musicians: Cristian Ganicenko (trombone) and Chris Olka (tuba)

Music: "Couplets des folies" by Marin Marais, arr. by David Miller

KING RECORDS

This film explores the King Records Building, home of one of the most important record labels in the history of American music. Founded by Syd Nathan in 1943, this building was the launching point for the career of James Brown, among many other incredible musicians. For a time the building was slated for demolition, but is currently under the guardianship of the King Records Legacy Committee and the City of Cincinnati, with hopes and plans to renovate and re-open.

Musicians: concert:nova string quartet

Music: Dig the Say by Vijay Iyer (dedicated to the memory of James Brown, and recorded in the same space where Brown recorded his first hit record)

EMERY THEATER

This concert-length film (55 minutes) features five world premiere performances in the amazing, acoustically-perfect but currently unoccupied Emery Theater.

Performers: Brianna Matzke (piano), Chris Graham (percussion)

Music by: Evan Williams, Nate May, Charles Peck, Jason Charney, and Tina Tallon

[bonus] SAINT MARK CHURCH

Speaker: Philip Argyres, physicist

This short film explores Deep Listening in Saint Mark Church, a historic building in Cincinnati that is not open to the public. (For more information, visit https://savestmark.com/). In this performance, vocalist Vidita Kanniks performs a Vedic chant arranged by her father, Kanniks Kannikeswaran.

SAINT MARK CHURCH credits

Producer/Director/Cinematographer/Editor: Andy Gasper

Executive Producer: Brianna Matzke

Audio engineer: Josh Elstro

IMPERIAL THEATER, KAUFFMAN BREWING TUNNELS, KING RECORDS, EMERY THEATER credits

Executive Producer: Brianna Matzke
Producer, Cinematographer: Andy Gasper
Director, Cinematographer, Editor: Biz Young
Audio Engineer, Cinematographer, Editor: Jason Nix

Production Company: Axe of All Trades

Co-Presented by:

concert:nova

The Hive: A Center for Contemplation, Art, and Action

Cincinnati Preservation Collective

Thank you to:

Save the Mark

Evanston Community Council

J.R. Gentle

Elliott Ruther

Kent Butts

The King Records Legacy Committee

Ethan Ellis

Eric Ellis

Sadim Tayal

PMM Studio

Amy Conroy

Katie Baker

Calcagno Cullen, Erika Nj Allen, and The Welcome Project

Ben Sloan

Michael Kirkendoll

Steve Hampton

Julie Fay

John Rice