London Improvisers Orchestra 1st May 2022

St Mary’s Old Church, Stoke Newingtopn Church St.

Get in at 18.00 for rehearsal; play 20.15

Caroline Kraabel alto sax
Rowland Sutherland flutes
John Eyles sopranino sax
Chris Hill clarinet
Julian Woods microtonal guitar
Dee Byrne alto sax
Adrian Northover soprano sax
John Bisset guitar and objects
Dave Tucker guitar (?)
Ivor Kallin violin
Dan Goren
Susanna Ferrar violin
Jerry Wigens guitar
Neil Metcalfe flute
Douglas Benford melodica(?)
Tansy Spinks violin/objects
Sue Lynch tenor sax
Martin Young violin

Confirmed conducting:

Dee Byrne
Brian Eley/Caroline Kraabel, Vertigo
Phil Morton, System 50:50 for Improvisers
Robert Nettleship
Ivor Kallin (reserve)

Listen to the London Improvisers Orchestra play System 50:50 in Sound for improvisers. 01.05.2026

Description

The duration of the piece is agreed before the start of the performance..
A performer must play for 50% of the duration of the piece and remain silent for 50% of the duration of the piece
Example

If the duration of the piece is 16 minutes, the performer plays for 8 minutes and is silent for 8 mins. Each player is free to choose when they play and when they are silent within the duration of the piece but they must have a 50/50 balance between playing and being silent. It is expected that each player will improvise their music.
Quick summary using 50:50 ratio

Each player `improvises` for 50% of the piece
Each player is `tacet` for 50% of the piece
The totals are aggregated
Each player/improviser has their own clock and manages their own time
Each player has `agency` over the content they share during the performance.

https://www.improvisersnetworks.online/system-50-50-an-introduction

Delivered by the primary and preferred time management option:

Mechanical chess clocks are required to facilitate the aim of the system. One of the pair of dials is called ‘tacet’ and the other ‘free play’.See image above. Each performer has an individual chess clock to monitor and manage their contribution. The performer plays when the ‘free play’ dial is running down and is silent when the ‘tacet’ dial is running down.

Youtube demonstration, Duration 1 minute Ratio 50:50 or 1:1 Content, is speech, status managed by the rocker (lever): URL LINK

Link to image of an adapted chess clock URL LINK

Selected feedback about system 50:50

Simon Ross (Macclesfield), Blank Canvas Octet - Liverpool

System 50/50 works well - it’s a really good way to get a group to play effectively without egos , virtuosity , and shyness getting in the way. It is democratic, inclusive. coherent, leaderless, focused, there is room to think and time to listen, choices. It is less competitive more cooperative. Ends well.

Charlie Collins Sheffield

On system 50:50 “Definitely something with LOADS of possibilities - the reaction in the car driving back was unbelievably positive - no one could remember playing in a large ensemble that was so "open". The openness allowed me to play quietly, which meant the dynamics were incredible for an improvising large ensemble.”

Dan Goren, Oxford Improvisers.

`"It seems to me that any attempt to restrict what free improvisers play, presents a threat to the core nature of their music. Generally, 'To play or not play' is about as far as any predetermination can productively go, the player retaining (almost!) complete formal agency regarding when and what (s)he decides to play"

Richard Harding Liverpool.

``Sometimes in free improv it is just not working but we carry on in the hope it will get better, in system 50:50 if it (free improv) is not working one can select tacet and stop playing`

Jon Aveyard, Lecturer UCLan University England

`It gives me permission to do nothing`

Helen Conning, Liverpool.

It is democratic

Maggie Nicol - West Wales.

I want to buy twelve 50:50 clocks

This event takes place in the cellar of Ryan's Bar

Ryan's Bar. 181 Church Streetm Stoke newington, London N16 0UL
020 7275 7807
https://ryansn16.co.uk/

The overground station, Stoke Newington is a fifteen minute walk according to google maps.

OPEN Ealing

Unit 14 Dickens Yard London W5 2TD

https://openealing.com/

OPEN Ealing is an arts organisation based in Ealing. We have been delivering a programme of creative projects and activities for 10 years

Our aim is to introduce a refreshing cultural space and exciting arts programmes to the community by bringing artists, performers, art groups and residents together, promoting creativity and creating new opportunities.
Our Manifesto
Creating a landmark contemporary gallery for West London and beyond
Working with emerging and established arts practitioners across the artistic spectrum
Enabling the professional development and training of artists
Being fully involved in the local community by offering activities and events and working with people of all ages and levels of ability

Hundred Years Gallery
13 Pearson Street
London E2 8JD

Tel: +44 (0)20 3602 7973

Buses : 67, 149, 242, 243, 394
Train : Hoxton Overground

hundredyearsgallery.co.uk/

Hundred Years Gallery is a dynamic art space situated in Hoxton, East London supporting experimental and innovative art. The Gallery`s exhibition programme is aimed at presenting a wide spectrum of contemporary art production with an emphasis on providing a platform for radical ideas and young or unrepresented artists. The space also provides opportunities for those in the arts to become part of its exhibition programme through its annual open calls short residencies, internships and art projects.

Hundred Years Arts is a not for profit Community Interest Company (Registered company number 9059577)

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article URL : https://www.improvisersnetworks.online/events-archive-london/item/2207-ensemble-50-50-london-30-03-2025

the checklist is here

https://www.rememberthemilk.com/app/#search/article/931320458

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