Humans evolved to react to perceived harm, attack, or threats to survival with the fight-or flight response—an instinctive mechanism designed for protection. While often beneficial, this response becomes problematic when faced with inescapable or prolonged trauma, such as war, disease, or chronic stress. The brain and autonomic nervous system attempt to shield us, yet sometimes this so-called protection turns against us, manifesting as psychological and physical distress.
Attack explores this precarious state—where survival instincts, once advantageous, become relentless cycles of fear, tension, and misfiring signals. The piece delves into the turbulence of an overburdened nervous system, shifting between moments of raw intensity and eerie stillness, mirroring the body’s struggle to regain balance.
Prolonged exposure to stress and repeated assaults on the body and mind alter perception and reality over time. Trauma is not only psychological but also physical, embedding itself into the body’s systems. The autonomic nervous system remains trapped in a heightened state, where suffering becomes normalized, and the distinction between defense and harm blurs.
Rather than seeking resolution, Attack expresses the relentless tension between survival and collapse, capturing the raw and unfiltered experience of an internal war.
MATA Festival is New York City’s leading showcase for adventurous emerging composers and sound artists from around the world. Founded by Philip Glass, Lisa Bielawa, and Eleonor Sandresky, MATA (Music at the Anthology) champions bold, boundary-pushing works that challenge conventions and redefine contemporary music. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and discovery, the festival offers a vital platform for the next generation of creators to share their voices in a dynamic and supportive environment. MATA’s carefully curated programs reflect the diversity and complexity of today’s musical landscape, engaging audiences through risk-taking, experimentation, and artistic vision.
https://www.matafestival.org/mata-festival-2025
The New York-based FLUX Quartet, founded in 1995 by Juilliard alumni Tom Chiu, Cornelius Dufallo, Kenji Bunch, and Darrett Adkins, is renowned for its fearless exploration of contemporary music. Inspired by the radical spirit of the Fluxus movement, FLUX is dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining the string quartet experience. Known for premiering groundbreaking works and championing global composers, their repertoire spans from John Zorn and Ligeti to Bartók and Philip Glass. Their dynamic performances have lit up stages from Lincoln Center to MoMA and beyond, often bridging classical tradition with avant-garde experimentation and unexpected collaborations.
Composers in the crosshairs of our attention