Ancore d'Aria
Dancing Voices
Ethno-Jazz, Progressive Rock, Sacral-Minimal and Experimental-Crossover.Voice as an instrument. Improvisations.
Activity promoted by Teatro dei Fauni, Locarno (CH)
The polyphonic choir Ancore d’Aria started as a lab for experimental vocal improvisation. Since then, Italian and Swiss singers have been sharing experiences in singing sessions where the aim is to explore the voice as an instrument, beyond the boundaries of languages and styles. Oskar Boldre also specifically selects songs for a repertoire (all arranged or composed by himself) based on diverse musical areas and from composers like McFerrin, Garbarek, Dibango...
A big part of the work done during the rehearsals is dedicated to improvisation, and takes inspiration from Voicestra, Bobby McFerrin’s vocal group, which re-discovered one of the most ancient, simple and joyous ways to sing together by improvising and experimenting.
By developing the improvisation pattern, Ancore d’Aria expresses with playfulness and simplicity the great power generated by polyrhythms (with its African origins… and not only), primal pulsation, and the warmth of singing together.
The intention is to re-create a sort of ritual, a celebration that can express joy and may go beyond musical entertainment, loosening tensions and involving listeners in an experience that stimulates creativity and imagination. Concerts normally present a first part where the choir sings pieces from the repertoire, and a second part fully dedicated to the ritual of guided improvisation. Ranging from evocative ethno-tribal sounds to experimentation, the resulting energy is powerful and contagious within an entertaining, playful atmosphere. Ancore d’Aria is a unique and innovative proposal in the contemporary Italian-Swiss vocal music scene and beyond.
