‘Play/Space’ is a new work by Wilma Pistorius for pan flutes and recorders, which explores the boundaries between composition and improvisation, formal and informal. Where do they meet, and where is the breaking point?

By combining composed and improvised elements, the piece creates space for joint creative inspirations. The music becomes an interaction, not only between the musicians and the mind of the composer, but also between the performers and the audience. Through spontaneous responses from both listeners and musicians, the music escapes from the written notes and becomes a conversation.

The piece is different with every performance: not only do the improvisations vary with the musicians’ hunches and inspiration, but they are also influenced by the location and the audience. New creative decisions must be made with each performance, some in “real time.” This brings surprises and curiosity to the familiar experience of writing, performing and hearing a piece of music. By giving the musicians and audience a degree of control over the piece, Pistorius aims to create an experience that is less formal and more human; with less perfection and more freedom.

Play/Space is created in collaboration with Juho Myllylä and Mariana Preda.