Artist’s Statement: Martha Larson

My jazz and classical performance experience generally has each musician rooted to a chair. The audience is equally still, silently observing each piece until clapping at "appropriate" moments. This project challenges those norms by integrating movement into a semi-improvised live music setting that encourages the audience to immerse themsevles in the room, the sound, and the experience. Through demonstration and encouragement, each artist will each connect with our own inner experience, respond to ways that live music ignites physical sensations, and release inhibitions by moving through the performance. grant project also links Hot Spot Music and the Big Woods Movement Collective as a springboard for future collaborations.

As a classical and jazz cellist, my training and performances focus on technical mastery and a cerebral approach to practice and performance. This grant project challenged my ingrained habits by blending music with embodied movement, enhancing the sense of connection to myself, the music, and fellow artists. It is one of many avenues of exploration to foster continuous, lifelong learning, and to expand my perspective on composition, improvisation, and performance.

Collaborators

• Shari Setchell, choreographer / project mentor

• Martha Larson, cello

• Wendy Placko, bassoon

• Brian Johnson, guitar

• Kent McKinnis, project documentarian

With Gratitude

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.