Michael Skillern: Two Hands, a Shell, and a Keyboard in Abu Dhabi

Solo percussion blurs the line between electronic and acoustic sounds.

In this presentation of solo works, Michael Skillern aims to draw the listener's ear with an eclectic mix of acoustic, percussion + fixed media and works that fuse percussion with live electronics. He paints an immersive soundscape of varied sonic experiences all made with ‘2 hands.’ The 'shell' in the title pays homage to Skillern’s vintage 1970s Ludwig snare drum, straight from the United States of America. Away from the drum set, a snare drum has a rainbow of sonic capabilities that often leaves listeners wondering and questioning what they just heard. How can a drum make such a sound? In a space where sight doesn’t match the sound, new sonic possibilities are brought to life.

In Novotney's Minute of News, Skillern will blend hand drumming, brush strokes, timpani mallets, and driving contemporary rhythms to turn the snare drum into a live-action drum machine. Next comes Bourdeaux's A Song Over Time. This work blends several contemporary drumming techniques, and singing, with a deep synth lead electronic percussion fixed media track. The two sonic worlds, real and digital, are intertwined into a deeply emotional sonic journey. Next comes Pickering's Non-Prophets, a critique of the American televangelist culture. The composer takes sampled speech patterns from infamous TV preachers and fuses them with forward moving digital sounds using drums and modified organs. All of this, on top of quick, technical snare drum licks shows the sonic possibilities of the snare drum enhanced with the addition of electronics

The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all patrons.

See below the guidelines for attending events at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi.

● Entry to the NYUAD Campus is through either the East or West Parking or the Welcome Center.
● Patrons will be required to present a valid ticket to an event at The Arts Center upon entry to the campus.
● As per current Department of Culture and Tourism guidelines a Green Al Hosn is NO LONGER needed to attend public events in Abu Dhabi.
● The wearing of face masks is NO LONGER required in most indoor public places, including campus buildings.

For access and wheelchair bookings please email nyuad.boxoffice@nyu.edu