With an opening performance of artist John Cage's controversial "silent" music piece 4'33", Charleston's very own New Music Collective ensemble, launched the first of three "Silent Music Series" at the Circular Congregational Church on Meeting Street.

WHO: New Music Collective
WHAT: Silent Music series
WHEN: Sunday October 5, November 2, December 7 at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Circular Congregational Church (150 Meeting Street)
WHY: showcase a series of quiet worksCurated by Jason Brogan, the first installation of the series was named 4'33" and beyond, as an avant-garde introduction to enjoying the zen-like silence of music. The technique invites the audience to focus on the aleatoric music sounds of their immediate environment, appreciating the subtle sounds in the context of traditional music. Such forms of silent music may challenge the very definition of the word "music," but in our technological and digital age, many artists are collaborating to defy mainstream avenues of sound (Listen to clips of their work).

From the New Music Collective:
Curated by Jason Brogan, and featuring performers Sam Sfirri, Nathan Koci, and Ron Wiltrout, this series will explore the breadth of music composed today that draws on inspiration from John Cage, Morton Feldman, and the likes. Incredibly sparse at times, rarely above a whisper, these concerts will offer a new window into modern composition, as well as a unique concert experience in which to reflect, and perhaps even meditate on the place where silence and music meet.

Presented the first Sunday of the month for three months the series is intended to offer a new window into modern composition, as well as a unique concert experience in which to reflect and perhaps even meditate on the place where silence and music meet.

A package is available wherein access to all three concerts can be purchased for $20 ($10 for students).

The next mind-bending experiment in sound, will be Sunday November 2nd. Same place, same time, same drill. As an added bonus, the next installation will also feature videos to give your ADHD wandering mind something to focus on other than the nonstop dialogue in your head, subtly brought back to earth by a random chime from the xylophone. Also, Bill Carson and Chad Pirtle will be joining Jason Brogan, Nathan Koci, Sam Sfirri, and Ron Wiltrout, accessorizing the silence with a little voice and activity. In the meantime, practice your "Listening Performances," as suggested by Adam Overton, an L.A. composer and interpreter of experimental sound performance.