Brett Carson‘s new surrealist song cycle The Secret Life of the Paramecium is an audiovisual voyage through a series of 22 microbiological vignettes based on the Major Arcana of the Tarot, melding a childlike fascination with the microscopic world and an abiding interest in the occult. Filtered through layers of musical and lyrical abstraction, the work probes the volatile intersection between science and magic, chemistry and alchemy, and reason and irrationality.

Spanning the musical continuum of pop music, contemporary classical music, free improvisation, and noise, The Secret Life of the Paramecium showcases the vocal brilliance of soprano Amy Foote, joined by skilled Bay Area performers Michelle Lee (flutes), Joshua Marshall (saxophones), and Ramon Fermin (electric and acoustic guitars). The Paul Dresher Ensemble Studio’s technical capabilities are fully utilized through massive projections of the disorienting and euphoric video work of Fletcher Pratt, which features the stunning microscope photography of James Weiss.

The Secret Life of the Paramecium is presented as part of Brett Carson’s Dresher Ensemble Artist Residency. Additionally, these performances are made possible through the Musical Grant Program, which is administered by InterMusic SF, and supported by the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, and San Francisco Grants for the Arts.

There are two performances: Sept 16-17 @ 8:00pm

Artists:
Brett Carson – Composition, words, electronics, lighting design
Amy Foote – Soprano
Michelle Lee – Flutes
Joshua Marshall – Saxophones
Ramon Fermin – Electric and acoustic guitars
Fletcher Pratt – Live video
James Weiss – Microscope photography
Nathan Corder – Sound projection
Jacob Felix Heule – Sound engineering