Arbor is the latest project by pianist Helena Basilova, guest curator of this festival edition, alongside her creative partners Kenny Kneefel (aka Shoal) and Vincent Rang. In 2023, the trio collaborated on Monolith, an experimental installation inspired by chemical processes. This time, Arbor (Latin for tree) focuses on organic growth and branching, expressed through music and visuals.
Kenny Kneefel, known as Shoal, specializes in sound design and electronic music. Vincent Rang creates experimental visual art. Helena explains: “Our collaboration on Monolith was fantastic, so we wanted to continue working together. Coincidentally, Vincent was already developing his own Arbor project, featuring software that generates stunning organic visuals inspired by the growth of plants and trees. Since I had chosen wood as the festival theme, the connection was perfect, and we started creating together.”
Helena composed a series of short piano cells as the foundation for Kenny Kneefel’s electronic explorations. Vincent Rang’s visuals will be displayed on a large transparent screen, with the grand piano at center stage, flanked by tables with laptops and equipment. Through Arbor, organic growth becomes both visible and audible.