Research Catalogue

The Agenda Group is a research group based at KMD, connecting artistic practices "with an agenda". The group enables crossover methods rather than media specificity, allowing space for different participants. "An agenda" is here understood as an aspect of socially engaged art practices. This relates to people, narratives and history alike and is about our shared values and contribution to society as artists. The engagement relates to issues outside of the artistic context and investigates how these issues might be mediated and moderated with artistic means. The Agenda Group is open for all kinds of artistic practices, but the focus of the discussions will be on artistic practice "as crucial to both individual and societal change and development" (KMD Strategic Plan). The relationality between art and society is never as simple as it seems and these reflections involves the thinking of intensity in addition to formats, translation and displacement. In this sense the agenda of an artistic project is crucial to the understanding of its implications. The Agenda Group is a pragmatic platform to connect various members of staff at KMD (artistic-researchers, post-docs, PhD’s and maybe even MA-students). The main purpose is to meet regularly, presenting and discussing the artistic research of each of the group members. An internal critical agenda. Research group initiator: Professor Frans Jacobi

Focaris parte de la conexión entre el fuego y el hogar como espacios de encuentro, protección y transformación. La obra se desarrolla a través de un diálogo entre la expresión individual y el encuentro colectivo, representado por la reunión en torno a una mesa o una hoguera. Cada bailarín expresa su "fuego interno" en solos apoyados por el grupo, generando conexiones y contrastes a través de la coreografía. La narrativa de la obra está construida bajo la estructura del teatro griego, donde el coro acompaña, enfatiza y dialoga con las acciones individuales. La accesibilidad está integrada en la dramaturgia, transformando la LSC, la audiodescripción y los elementos visuales en recursos estéticos.

An overview of Elisabeth Belgrano's artistic / performance / research and teaching in higher arts education 2004-ongoing

This research explores an interpretative approach to Dialogue de l’ombre double by Pierre Boulez, a key work in the contemporary clarinet repertoire. Motivated by my decision to perform this piece in my final master’s recital, the study goes beyond its technical demands to examine its historical context, Boulez’s compositional style, and the interaction between live clarinet and electronics. The research is structured around four objectives: contextualizing Boulez’s contributions to contemporary music, analyzing the structure of Dialogue de l’ombre double, developing an interpretative framework, and offering technical solutions. Following the introduction, Chapter 1 explores Boulez’s impact on contemporary music, particularly his use of electronics and spatialization. Chapter 2 provides a structural and musical analysis of the work, examining how its elements create a cohesive sonic narrative. Chapter 3 presents interpretative and technical strategies for engaging with the electronic part, focusing on phrasing, articulation, and dynamics. Chapter 4 offers practical solutions for technical challenges, including alternative fingerings and exercises for complex passages. Based on bibliographic research, recordings, discussions with clarinet professors, and personal experimentation, this study highlights how a deeper engagement with the score and Boulez’s stylistic intentions can lead to a more informed and compelling performance.

This exposition continues the series The Sonic Atelier – Conversations with Contemporary Composers and Producers, dedicated to exploring the evolving role of the composer today. Through a Q&A format, the project examines how contemporary creators integrate composition, production, performance, and technology into their artistic practice. This interview features Robot Koch, an award-winning composer, producer, and performer whose work spans electronic music, orchestral writing, and immersive audiovisual performance. Koch reflects on his hybrid identity as a creator, discussing the interplay between writing and production, the role of technology as an expressive tool, and the potential of spatial audio and immersive formats. The conversation also addresses the transformations of the music industry, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the importance of authenticity and craftsmanship in the creative process.

This exposition inaugurates the series The Sonic Atelier – Conversations with Contemporary Composers and Producers, dedicated to exploring the evolving role of the composer today. Through a Q&A format, the project investigates how contemporary creators integrate composition, production, performance, and technology into their artistic identity. This first interview features Luca Longobardi, who reflects on his hybrid practice across classical and electronic music, immersive performance, and sound design, offering insights into the fluid boundaries between writing, production, and live interpretation.