New album: I’m Listening
Performance artist and pianist Marnix van de Poll toured The Netherlands with his museum project I’m Listening. In the Listening Pavilion, designed by Dré Wapenaar, Marnix listened and visitors told their life story. This pavilion has two entrances and two compartments, one for the artist and one for the visitor, separated by a cloth. Via headphones, other museum visitors could listen in to the conversations in real time. Marnix listened to over 130 visitors, every time starting by sharing something personal about himself. He then moved on to listen without judgement. Marnix immediately responded to every conversation with a free improvisation.
Marnix: “I’m Listening was a very meaningful project, for myself personally, and for all those that I have had conversations with and those who were just visiting the performance. Many times people were deeply touched. I would like use the recorded improvisations. I have selected nine of them, the most beautiful ones, one per museum that the project visited. I really would like for everybody to enjoy them!”
What others say
“How Marnix manages to tell a real story in a short time in the form of an improvised piano work is impressive. Due to the combination of style, atmosphere, the conversation partner’s story, and the visual character of the music, Marnix’s pieces fit very well with our programme.” – Aad van Nieuwkerk, presentor VPRO Vrije Geluiden NPO Classical Music.
“I heard back what I didn’t say, and what was present the undercurrent – I appreciated a lot your musical interpretation of the impacts that guide us – Thank you so much – The improvisation was a very special gift after the openness and vulnerability of the conversation – How wonderful that was!” – Conversation partners of the project.
Crowdfunding – will you help?
We have set up a crowdfunding campagin to fund the post production. Think artwork design, audio mastering and pressing the actual CD. And of course the digital distribution to all major streaming platforms. Will you help make this possible?
The album will be released 15 May 2025. Up until then you can help by donating and filling out the form below.