Over the course of the pandemic, as social life came to an abrupt standstill and the music scene in particular virtually vanished overnight – improvisational musicians were forced out of concert halls, clubs, and public gatherings, and left alone to deal with drastic changes, suffering not only from the loss of their livelihoods but also from their primary modes of expression. While many artists were accustomed to the synergy of collaboration and public performance, many began to experiment with solo improvisation within the confines of an enclosed or isolated space – an act which brought forth brilliantly unique and experimental responses within this collectively endured period.

With a desire to preserve this particular moment in music and global history, artist and musician Raed Yassin proposes a way to showcase the otherwise lost performances of musicians that performed unseen, in »Phantom Orchestra«, an extensive project involving over 40 improvisational artists.

The artists were asked to perform their newfound expressions as solo improvised sets in the newly opened studio space Morphine Raum of the eponymous label, where the performances were recorded in intimate settings and pressed by Morphine Records as single vinyl records. The resulting collection of vinyls are meant to be arranged and played in an orchestra of »phantom sounds,« deconstructed and melded to form unusual connections. »Phantom Orchestra« will be performed live by Yassin, using a system of over a dozen turntables.

The project is in some ways a reflection of our present circumstances, as we emerge from isolation and must relearn how to be together in the world again. It is also a gesture of solidarity with the numerous artists who produce ephemeral work, by imagining other methods of self-sustenance and musical experience.

Funded by Musikfonds e.V. by means of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media (BKM), as part of the NEUSTART KULTUR recovery programme and Gwärtler Stiftung. In partnership with CTM Festival and Morphine Records.

• Raed Yassin