Commission to Michalis Paraskakis

In his compositional work, Greek composer Michalis Paraskakis combines structural clarity with expressive intensity. His contemporary music draws in particular on modal thinking and the rhythmic traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The ensemble False Relationships and the Extended Endings has commissioned Paraskakis to compose a new work for string trio exploring the interplay of micro-intervals. The piece will be premiered as part of the transdisciplinary concert series ECHOS – Byzantine Reflections: From Microtonality to Performance.

The title “echos” refers to a term in Byzantine music theory associated with one of the eight modes of the oktoechos. The concert series explores the conceptual, structural, and performative potential of modal thinking in contemporary composition. At its heart lies the question of how structured tonal systems can be translated into embodied, performative sound action. Microtonality is not treated as a technical effect but as a perceptual and dramaturgical device that destabilizes fixed tuning systems and opens new expressive territories.

Further information:
falserelationsensemble.com

Dates

November 25, 2026
H95, Basel

November 27, 2026
Villa Boveri, Baden

November 30, 2026
ONO Das Kulturlokal, Bern