DIVERGENT CONNECTIONS ENSEMBLE

Another of the unique achievements of Pavel Zlámal through which he examines and applies the principles of improvisation - creating on the spot, focused on directed improvisation. PZ as a conductor leads a small orchestra, in which he invited experienced jazz musicians, virtuosos in the field of classical music and musical experimenters - mostly players, whom he met in the various sectors of this professional activity (National Theatre orchestra Brno, Brno Contemporary Orchestra, jazz, alternative, impro scene, etc.). Most of the players involved are also linked with the Janáček Academy of Performing Arts, whether they are current students or graduates


Pavel Zlámal uses non-traditional conducting gestures as a tool to initiate, support, enhance other players or to change musical stream. Music is not specified in advance, it is created in real time as a product of reactions to the more or less abstract gestures of the conductor. The role of the conductor in this case is significantly intertwined with the role of the composer - but not in absolute terms. It is perhaps closer to the position of the initiator, who doesn’t claim total control of emerging music, since at the same time he is beeing influenced of player’s reactions (both initiated by gestures or spontaneous). The exact shape of resulting music is therefore product of the present moment – caused by individual improvisations, interactivity between players and conductor, and can be largely surprising and unexpected. As such, this is a very vital form of musical presence.
Cast of the ensemble, musical skills and philosophical approach of players involved allows to carry out uncompromising sound experiments, but also to use different stylistic clichés in fresh, not worn-out context. Intrepid balancing on the edge of uncertainty and surprise, reminds names such as Frank Zappa, Barry Guy, John Zorn, Butch Morris, Evan Parker, Sun Ra Arkestra and others.


Divergent Connections extends the range of impro-inventive projects, which, besides the avant-garde combo Next Phase and freeimpro Brno Improvising Unit, also carries philosophical "handwriting" of its founder and leader Pavel Zlámal.