Xenia Pestova Bennett.

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Renowned pianist and composer Xenia Pestova Bennett premiere’s her new work ‘All Aglow’. This exquisite solo explores resonance and improvisation to portray the effects of bioluminescence in coastal sea waters.

Described as “a powerhouse of contemporary keyboard repertoire” (Tempo Journal), pianist and composer Xenia Pestova Bennett has earned an international reputation as a leading proponent of adventurous music. Her work spans a wide range of sound worlds, styles and genres from classical, contemporary, free improvisation, experimental electronica and avant-pop.

‘All Aglow’ is an exquisite solo project that explores resonance and improvisation to portray the effects of bioluminescence (a range of glowing behaviours) in coastal sea waters. In ‘All Aglow’ Xenia combines her concert pianist pedigree with her unique compositional voice, to create a nostalgic sound world filled with piano, voice, analogue synthesizers, and trinkets.

For live performance, the piano is prepared with objects gently inserted and placed to vibrate on the strings, while synthesizers, seascape recordings, interviews and poetic texts create an atmosphere awash with mystery. The result is a genre bending, sonic gem, full of reflection, drift and storytelling.

“A brilliantly free-thinking and fearless pianist”
– Verity Sharp, BBC Radio 3

“Pestova Bennet brings proper feelings”
– Jennifer Lucy Allan, The Quietus

Supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland