Avantgarde Operatics in London

February 2, 2009 2:11 AM

Avantgarde London: I want to take my girlfriend out to a biggish music/sound performance/event. I want it to be avantgarde, unexpected and unique - the kind of night that would send most music lovers screaming into the distance. I am thinking maybe opera, but I know NOTHING about it. And, as I said, I want avantgarde opera in London. Where do I start?

My girlfriend is an experimental performance poet. She likes it weird. It's her birthday (soon). Can you help?

posted by 0bvious to media & arts (11 answers total)

Does it need to be opera? The Spill Festival of experimental theatre is running in April. I went to few things a couple of years ago and they were great, though some were pretty odd. Another place worth a look is the ICA.
posted by patricio at 2:30 AM on February 2, 2009

You can do all kinds of searches on Time Out London's website. This is what came up when I looked for modern and classical music within the next seven days. Personally, I fancy this.
posted by tiny crocodile at 2:36 AM on February 2, 2009

It doesn't have to be opera... Just experimental
posted by 0bvious at 2:45 AM on February 2, 2009

If you're searching web sites, you might have more luck if you separate "avant garde" with a space (or a hyphen: avant-garde).

Have fun! You might enjoy whatever-it-is a little more if you do a little advance preparation / reading.
posted by amtho at 3:45 AM on February 2, 2009

See The Wire listings. Recommended:

Compost and Height - more info
Stephen Cornford - more info
The Bohman Brothers - more info
Touch at the Roundhouse
William Furlong
posted by Beautiful Screaming Lady at 3:46 AM on February 2, 2009

Pick up a copy, or peruse the website, of the magazine known as The Wire. Some of the music they cover/promote is pretty conventional, and some is way-way-out-there. (And if your gf likes "experiemental" music, she might appreciate a subscription as a gift now or one day)
posted by K.P. at 3:47 AM on February 2, 2009

The Tiger Lillies? they've got a great cult following
Guillemots? known for being eccentric!
posted by wayward vagabond at 4:03 AM on February 2, 2009

You're in luck! English National Opera are doing John Adams's Doctor Atomic this month. There are other new works coming in spring and summer, too.
posted by Pallas Athena at 4:59 AM on February 2, 2009

If the Lost and Found Orchestra are doing any events you have to go, this seriously would fit the bill perfectly. Can't google at the moment but the performance before Christmas at the Royal Festival Hall was amazing.
posted by Wilder at 8:42 AM on February 2, 2009

"Stephen Cornford" - that's real weird, I saw his work at the final show of his MA at Dartington College of Arts in Devon. Great to see he is doing so well! How did you find out about him?
posted by 0bvious at 10:39 AM on February 2, 2009

How did you find out about him?

I've got my finger on the pulse of contemporary UK sound art we both used to hang out on the same music related forum
posted by Beautiful Screaming Lady at 2:40 PM on February 2, 2009