LAST MINUTE PLANS: Chicago Scratch Orchestra At Links Hall

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on May 7, 2012 2:40PM

For those not familiar with the concept of scratch orchestras: The first Scratch Orchestra, which was born in the late sixties from the musical philosophy of British composer Cornelius Cardew, was a large group of experimental musicians focused on sonic exploration and expression through free improvisation. The Chicago Scratch Orchestra follows in its footsteps, bringing together a slew of local musicians to perform free-flowing adaptations of musical scores.

There is no solid roster for the orchestra—the list of members is always in flux—and musicians might toggle between instruments of both the electronic and traditional varieties. But this isn’t a bad thing; it means the orchestra’s sound is constantly changing, and no one performance is quite like another. Some even incorporate visuals, poetry, and other elements.

Tonight’s performance is taking place at Links Hall and will feature pieces written by a handful of local composers, including Nomi Epstein, Julia Miller, kg price, and Sarah Ritch, as well as pieces by Pauline Oliveros and Clifton Ingram. For a taste of what’s in store, you can download or stream some of the ensemble’s music over at its Bandcamp page.

The Chicago Scratch Orchestra plays tonight at Links Hall, 3435 N Sheffield (#207), 7:30 p.m., $10 or $5 for students and seniors