
AMERICAN WIZARDRY
ABOUT THE DUO:
The American-Dutch violinist Monica Germino performs with Dutch sound designer Frank van der Weij in duo programs, revolutionizing the concept of a solo violin recital by transforming sound, executing unconventional feats, and exploiting new technologies. The duo received several research and performance grants in support of their work, and has premiered compositions for violin and sound design created especially for them by composers such as Donnacha Dennehy, David Dramm, Heiner Goebbels, Annie Gosfield, and Julia Wolfe. Germino and Van der Weij have conceived and produced critically acclaimed, revolutionary multimedia programs such as ‘plugged & unplugged’, with a sold-out UK premiere at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival and tours to Canada, Europe, and the USA. HCMF and the Gaudeamus Foundation subsequently co-commissioned a sequel, the radically gripping ‘DEVIATION’, which has been performed in major festivals across Europe and the USA. A raucous and reflective ‘carte blanche’ show at the Bimhuis in Amsterdam was a catalyst for the show ‘ROADMAPS & DIARIES II’, premiering in 2014. AMERICAN WIZARDRY launched in 2015 and explores the wizardry of transformation, with American composers featured as the wizards.
Their shows are the result of a team effort: a celebration of a collaboration illustrating an ideal relationship between performer and technician. The New York Times lauded the duo: “...a gloriously free and wild fiddle tantrum…virtuosity and mischief-making...Van der Weij’s digital wizardry amplified, distorted, fragmented and multiplied the voice of the solo violin.” The Strad described a show as “a veritable master class on the use of violin and electronics, packed with sophistication and showmanship,” while The Daily Telegraph (UK) raved: “Monica Germino, a vividly personable player on the electric and ‘normal’ violin, works with a sound engineer to transform her violin at one moment into a colossally deep double bass, the next into a wailing electric guitar. …musicians and ‘players’ of electronic gear simply coming together to make music - the results were entrancing.” In 2013, SEEN AND HEARD INTERNATIONAL chose the duo for Reviewers’ Choices for Best Musical Events of 2013.