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The National Centre for the Arts plans to hold an experimental music fiesta in December this year.
Interested parties / individuals are invited to list their names at the nCa +960-331-3456, before the 18th of September. Further info can also be obtained by calling this number, or emailing nca@maldivesinfo.gov.mv.

Background

Experimental music is music arising from an experimental action in which the outcome is not foreseen (Cage, 1955). It can also be thought of as that which does not conform to the commonly accepted notions of what music is (Cope, 1977). Viewed from another angle, and in a setting such as the Maldives, where there is a lot of unchartered territory in the perceptions of the general public about what the term ‘music’ really encompasses, experimental music can be thought of as that which is new, and has yet to be heard, to appreciated and emulated, or disliked and discarded as seen fit by the listener.

Formulated to take together these notions, Sounds Maldivian is the nCa’s concept to introduce and promote experimental music in the Maldives. Given the existing musical situation in particular, and the artistic atmosphere in general, a pioneering effort of this magnitude presents its own set of challenges, obstacles and excitement. There is little doubt that a venture of this nature would be welcomed by the increasing numbers of youth and young people interested in producing their own sound to express their emotions, be it feelings of frustration and despair, or of achievement and celebration.

The Event

Categories

- Soundscapes – these can be likened to landscapes, as in paintings, except that the medium for this would be sounds in lieu of paint, and enjoyed as an auditory experience as opposed to a visual one.
- Audio Documentaries – similar to video documentaries, except that these would attempt to present an event, place, person or thing as a sonic ‘view’.
- Installations – much like sculptures, these would differ in that they would offer some kind of auditory experience in addition to being a physical entity situated in a viewable location. These would include interactive installations reacting to the physical presence of a viewer, such as that which can be obtained by equipping the installation with sensors, and physical ‘instruments’ which can be played by the audience, possibly in ensemble.
- Pre-planned Performances – these could be on stage or off, acoustic and / or amplified, and involving any number of performers and objects / instruments, in a pre-rehearsed sequence or composition.
- Impromptu Performances – these could be on stage or off, acoustic and / or amplified, and would probably involve ‘performers’ from among the audience. 
- Workshops / Composer Talks – these would generally be dependent on expressions of interest. Throughout the course of the event, composers would be given the opportunity to discuss their compositional techniques with interested members of the audience, in a workshop setting.

Venue

The event will be held at Olympus Theatre. The theatre hall, changing rooms and other rooms in the building can be utilised for indoor presentations / performances, and the corridors, foyer and backstage open area can be used for installations and other outdoor components of the event.

Duration

It is envisaged that this will be a whole-day event, with repetitive programs interspersed with appropriate breaks occasionally. Mainly, the program will be arranged so that interested audiences are able to drop in and out of performances and activities.

Video Coverage

All the individual performances and activities will be videoed.

Participants

Interested individuals will be invited to apply for participation, outlining the concept of their proposed piece. A reviewing panel set up by nCa will review the submissions, and the twenty most daring, innovative and feasible of them will be offered the opportunity to prepare and exhibit / perform their piece. Mrf 4000 will be granted to each selected participant, to aid in the preparation of their work.

Rights

All rights of the selected work will be owned by the National Centre for the Arts. This will include the concept, work in progress, and the finished product. An arrangement may be worked out between the nCa and any sponsor/s of the event, whereby which any of the rights may be granted to the sponsor/s for a defined period.

Outcomes

The most important outcome of the event would be to assist young musicians to break out of the confines of preconceived notions of sound and music, by allowing them space to explore their creative potential, and a platform to express and exhibit the result of that skill.

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