Alloy Workshop #3 feat. Chopin Etudes Op. 10 with Shi-An Costello

Please join us for a casual group class that explores the "prepared piano", a special process of preparing a solo acoustic piano with various metal, rubber and plastic materials on and in between the strings of the piano that creates new sonic possibilities for the instrument.

Intended for those interested in crafting, woodworking, construction, engineering, art installation, music and the piano, experimental art, or simply those that would like to passively observe, this event is open to all. Hands-on experimentation with the preparations and the instrument are welcome and encouraged. Attendees may work alone, in pairs or in groups, as desired. Attendees will also have plenty of time to ask specific questions, as desired.

Created by Shi-An Costello and hosted by Experimental Sound Studio, the workshop runs monthly, and offers the resource of a different invited guest each month to provide guidance and experiential knowledge in piano performance and technology to participants, if desired. Participants are welcome to try new ideas out, ask questions, or talk out new ideas communally and with the guest expert.

This third session will feature pianist Shi-An Costello, and Frederic Chopin's 12 Etudes Op. 10 for prepared piano. In this workshop, Costello will share his work-in-progress of creating individualized prepared piano setups to compliment each Etude of the Op. 10 set, employing a various materials to get effects unique to the musical needs of each piece. This workshop precedes a 4-night residency for Shi-An at Colvin House in May, where he will play the complete Chopin Op. 10 (unprepared), alongside the John Cage Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano (Admission free, but RSVP encouraged).

The workshop event will run app. 90 minutes.
Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, $5.00 minimum. RSVP is required.
Doors open at 1:30pm. Event starts promptly at 2:00pm.

Participants under the age of 21 are welcome; Parent or guardian accompaniment is recommended.

This series is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

Info: Casual Reception in the ESS Audible Gallery and Studio

Info: This workshop invites you, the attendees, into the process of preparing a piano, offering insight into the successes and challenges faced through years of experience with the setup. There will be hands-on demonstrations, audience-led experimentation, as well as opportunity to play the instrument for yourself, and ask questions you might have for Shi-An, or each other.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Experimental Sound Studio, 5925 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, United States