Invenio x Alpha60

With its innovative approach to sound and composition, Invenio displaces the concept of a traditional vocal ensemble. Formed in 2010 by singer/composer Gian Slater and featuring a line-up of compelling singers, the group’s creative blend of harmonies and vocal techniques produce an ethereal and diverse experience designed to challenge the listener.

As part of Melbourne Music Week, Invenio debuted Slater’s latest work, Hands For Clay, in the incredible Chapter House – a 150-year-old heritage listed building housing boutique fashion label Alpha60 – as part of the collaboration Invenio x Alpha60. Slater wrote the piece specifically for this impressive space and the choreography of the 10 singers, six female and four male, highlight the incredible acoustics underneath the vaulted ceilings.

Hands For Clay is a powerful composition with cinematic layers combining discord and release, soaring melodies and various vocal deliveries to create a captivating surround sound experience. The effect is sublime and intense. It’s visually stunning as well, with Alpha60 designing the group’s striking outfits.

With its lyrical patterns and experimental vocal improvisation, Hands For Clay is a complex and mesmerising experience that will leave you thinking about it long after the performance has wrapped up.

Milk Bar Mag had the opportunity to speak with Gian Slater before the performance.

How would you describe Invenio? Invenio is not your typical choir or vocal ensemble. We live in-between or without stylistic categorisation. We make a cappella vocal music that aims to transport and challenge the listener and celebrate the scope, power and emotional immediacy of the voice. We work with conceptual composition, extended vocal technique, fluid improvising, choreographed movement and inventive performance.

Why did you decide to create Invenio? I started Invenio for a composer’s commission in 2010. I had been dreaming of a different kind of choral music and had a strong vision from the get go. There was also a cluster of incredible young singers interested in working with other singers, in improvising and experimenting with their voices so I was really interested to see what would happen if I brought them all together. After our first performance, I knew without a doubt that this ensemble had great potential to make new and powerful music and that the experience would have a great impact on the singers within the group.

How does that compare to what the group’s achieved over the last 8 years and what you currently want to achieve? My initial vision for this group has grown and evolved far beyond my original view. We have performed eight of my large works, recorded two albums and performed three tours. In more recent years, we have collaborated with wonderful theatre companies Chamber Made and Rawcus – opening up new and exciting opportunities for us.  

Each new project has grown our collective skill set and has cemented a working ethos, process and aesthetic vision within the group that feels just as, if not more, important than the performances themselves. We have some great things coming up in 2019 and are planning a really big 2020 for our 10-year anniversary, so watch this space!

Can you describe the piece for Invenio x Alpha60? Hands For Clay is my new work for Invenio composed specifically for the beautiful Chapter House, Alpha60’s concept store. The work is about the power and vulnerability of the creative impulse. I think a lot about the idea that for some people, their need to create things is integral to who they are. But what sparks the idea and what fuels the process of searching, making and refining? When is it finished?

How did the collaboration come about? We contacted Alpha60 and suggested the idea. We are always on the look out for new spaces to perform in and new collaborations with other artistic mediums. They were really excited by the idea and have been absolutely amazing to work with. They are dressing us in their beautiful clothes, which really adds a visual dimension on top of the stunning Chapter House space, and enhances the musical ideas.

What is coming up for Invenio in the near future? We have another exciting project premiering on Thursday, 31 January 2019 at the Melbourne Recital Centre called Music For A While. This project features arrangements of art songs from two eras. It will be a beauty – I can’t wait!  

Invenio x Alpha 60
Melbourne Music Week 2018
Chapter House Lane, Melbourne CBD
melbourne.vic.gov.au/events/invenio-x-alpha60