Variations VIII: John Dombroski and Ander Mikalson

When John Cage arrived at Skowhegan in 1967 as a Visiting Faculty Artist, he was ready to participate in life on campus, yet unprepared to perform. After seeing posters announcing his performance on the drive into town, Cage composed Variations VIII in a single evening. Echoing the continually inventive energy of campus, Cage envisioned the piece as site-specific and centered on openness. Using only what is present as inspiration, instrument, and instruction—the piece is written to be adapted for each time and place it would be performed.

Using Cage’s intentionally vague notation, John Dombroski and Ander Mikalson will re-imagine the composition for Skowhegan NYC. John and Ander will, in a singular present, use the building and its contents as both the location and conduit for Cage’s piece.

Variations VIII is a re-imagined performance by John Dombroski and Ander Mikalson.
Original composition and notation: John Cage
Original performers: Merce Cunningham and Keith McGary

This public program is produced in partnership with the Brooklyn Academy of Music, on the occasion of Black Mountain College Songs which was co-commissioned by BAM and Brooklyn Youth Chorus for the 2014 Next Wave Festival.