musicircus

A celebration of chaos and the harmonies of simultaneity featuring Stanford music makers and special guests Sō Percussion, Cenk Ergun and MC Schmidt (Matmos), Beth Meyers (Janus Trio).

Wednesday October 26, noon–1pm on White Plaza

The MUSICIRCUS is one of John Cage’s “omnium gatherum” pieces, and was first performed in 1967 at the University of Illinois. MUSICIRCUS is simply an invitation for performers to assemble and play together—a “happening” where multiple performances occur simultaneously to create new and unusual configurations. All members of the Stanford community are invited to perform—students, faculty, staff, student groups, soloists, ensembles, bands, performance troupes. To participate, fill out the entry form and check the FAQ for more information about the event.

Performers

Violet Jukebox
Chicago Collective
The Sea People
Dawn Weleski
Nathan Cheung
Stephen Henderson
Greg Kress
Sasha Leitman
The Stanford Improvisors
Mike Rotondo + Luke Iannini
Hot Paradise
David Leikam
Byron Walker
Down With Gravity
Lexie Frosh and Friends

with special guests:
So Percussion
Cenk Ergun
Beth Meyers
MC Schmidt

Info for performers »

 

 

FAQ

What is a MUSICIRCUS??
Is everyone who signs up accepted?
What should I play?
Is any equipment provided?
How do I know where to set up?
What if it rains?
Why are you doing this?
Who is John Cage anyway?
Is there a “score” for this piece?

If you can’t find the answer to your question below, please send an email to lisamezz@stanford.edu

What is a MUSICIRCUS?
The MUSICIRCUS is one of John Cage’s "omnium gatherum" pieces, and was first performed in 1967 at the University of Illinois. Cage organized one here at Stanford in 1992. He died later that year, so it was likely his last Musicircus while he was alive! MUSICIRCUS is simply an invitation for performers to assemble and play together’a “happening” where multiple performances occur simultaneously to create new and unusual configurations.

Is everyone who signs up accepted?
Yes, everyone who signs up will be able to perform, this event is about inclusivity! We expect a wide range of musical styles, performance genres, levels of experience and ensemble sizes to be represented.

What should I play?
Prepare a 50-min "set" of music or works that you will perform. The Musicircus works best when everyone is doing their own thing in a very planned, premeditated, rehearsed way. The overall effect is a crazy circus, but each group should be coherent, tight, and have their own artistic identity. Cage didn't mean for it to be a big jam free-for-all… (we can plan one of those another time!)

Is any equipment provided?
No, this is a no-tech event, artists are responsible for bringing everything they need to perform outdoors on White Plaza. **Please note that we will not have access to power outlets, so all music must be either acoustic or you can bring your own battery-powered amplification.

How do I know where to set up?
Check this webpage the day before the event (on Tuesday October 25) for a map with all performer locations.

What if it rains?
Check this website the morning of the event for weather updates and rain plan. We will post the plan at 9am that day so you can plan accordingly.

Why are you doing this?
Lively Arts, CCRMA, the Dance Division and the Humanities Center are celebrating the music of John Cage and the choreography of Merce Cunningham over a week of events and performances this fall. Check out these performances:

Who is John Cage anyway?
Visit the John Cage trust to learn more about the composer, his long creative partnership with Merce Cunningham, and his lasting impact on the field of music, and how we all listen to the world around us.
http://johncage.org/

Is there a “score” for this piece?
Cage didn't create or publish a score, because he wanted the event to be commerce-free, with no money changing hands. But here are some things he has said and written about his intentions behind the Musicircus:

“seen from a particular point of view, music is simply the art of focusing attention on one thing at a time. In my works, I have tried not to focus the attention on one thing at a time, and have used this principle that I call “musicircus”—of having many things going on at once; the simultaneity of unrelated intentions.”
—JOHN CAGE

“We simply had as much going on at a single time as we could muster. And we exercised no aesthetic bias…You should let each thing that happens happen from its own center, whether it is music or dance. Don't go in the direction of one thing “using” another. Then they will all go together beautifully (as birds, airplanes, trucks, radios, etc. do).”
—JOHN CAGE

“I have not made detailed directions for Musicircus. You simply bring together under one roof as much music (as many musical groups and soloists) as practical under the circumstances. It should last longer than ordinary concerts, starting at 7 or 8 in the evening, and continuing, say, to midnight. Arrange performers on platforms or within roped-off areas. There must be plenty of space for the audience to walk around. If you have more groups than places, make a schedule: Group 1 in Place A from 7–9:30; Group 23 in Place A from 9:45–midnight. Etc. There should be food on sale and drinks (as at a circus). Dancers and acrobats.”
—JOHN CAGE

“One very important element is that there should at all times be many people performing simultaneously. The next is that, since none of the musicians are being paid, there being too many of them, the entire event must be free to the public…In harmony with the separation of this work from conventional economics, I have not made a score nor have I published one of course.”
—JOHN CAGE