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Jouissance has recently returned from a successful tour of Estonia performing three concerts in Viljande, Narva and Parnu in July 2006. The performances were well received, with future performances in Europe planned. This tour was supported by Arts Victoria.
Jouissance was formed in 1993 to explore a dialogue between Medieval and Byzantine chant, and contemporary culture.
The musicians share a fascination with the mysticism, sensuality and rapture found in the works of Hildegard of Bingen, Peter Abelard and the Byzantine Rite. The engagement with this music is informed by the diverse nature of the performers' experience: from New Complexity to Minimalism, from Japanese Zen to Jazz-Rock crossover, from Blues and Ethnic music to all forms of Opera. Improvisation is one of the elements used to site the exploration in an 'unstable' environment, encouraging new insights and glimpses of other possible readings of the ancient work in a contemporary framework.
In 1999 Jouissance toured to Europe for their first overseas concert tour, receiving outstanding reviews and standing ovations. They performed at the Festival of St Olav in the Nidrasdomen (Cathedral) in Trondheim, in the Tallin Concert Hall in Estonia, and the Parnu Town Hall in Estonia.
In 2002 Jouissance performed in St Patrick's Cathedral (Melbourne), Pilgrim Church (Adelaide Festival) and St Andrew's Cathedral (Sydney) with sponsorship from Australia Council, Adelaide Festival and the City of Melbourne.
In 2003 Jouissance took a new look at the Byzantine Rite in a series of 3 concerts sponsored by the city of Melbourne. Hagiographia on 24th June, Mikres Ikones on 26th August, and Akathistos on 16th October. These concerts also included works based on the music and texts of Hildegard of Bingen. In 2004 Jouissance were joined by the gorgeous voice of Baritone/Bass - Jerzy Kozlowski in Performances in Ballarat and Melbourne.
Recordings:
 Akathistos FragmentsJouissance's new CD released through ABC in 2005. For further information, please visit the Arkathistos pageJouissance has recorded several CDs and a DVD of their Mikres Ikones program recorded live in concert in 2003. All past CDs are out of print, but the DVD is available on request (AUD$30) by emailing Nick Tsiavos <nictsiavos@bigpond.com.au>.
Promotional Photo:
High quality photo for a of Jouissance for purposes of promotion and publication please download (734KB). Acknowledgement must be made of the photographer Georgia Metaxas © 2004.. Higher resolution photos may be obtained upon request |
