Dead Language

Jodie Rottle (flutes), Meaghan Burke (cello/voice), and Tristan McKay (piano/harpsichord/toy piano)
 
Whether shredding the works of George Crumb and Elliott Carter, exploring different approaches to structured and free improvisation, or jamming on miniature frog objects at a toy music festival, Dead Language seeks out music that has something to say, and says it. Undeterred by the fact that one of their members is currently based in Australia, the trio has now performed in all the hemispheres. Dead Language was recently a featured guest ensemble at the Mise-En New Music Festival, and has been ensemble-in-residence at the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane.
 
True to its name, Dead Language takes a particular interest in the linguistic, communicative aspects of music, and finds itself most at home in the space between interpretation and improvisation. Playing their own works (both collaboratively and individually developed) alongside works by colleagues and established contemporary composers, Dead Language strives to forge a more direct path from creative impulse to audience reception, while always maintaining a sense of playfulness and humor. By incorporating literature, visual art, theater, hazmat suits, and musical pigs into their work, Dead Language strives to make new music speak, directly and soulfully, to anyone who cares to listen