Patterns from Nature recently captivated audiences with a mesmerizing fusion of physics, film, and music. Physicist Stephen Morris, filmmakers Udo Prinsen, Gita Blak, Lee Hutzulak, Tina de Groot, and composer/saxophonist Quinsin Nachoff joined forces to explore Morris’ area of research, emergent patterns in nature, through a compelling multimedia experience.
At the heart of this innovative project was a four-movement, 40-minute work. Each filmmaker explored a specific research area within Emergent Patterns in Nature, focusing on Branches, Flow, Cracks, and Ripples. The team collaborated closely, drawing inspiration from one another’s creative processes to bring the project to life.
Blending jazz and classical elements, the composition was performed by a chamber ensemble featuring woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, string quartet, bass, drum set, and conductor. Renowned soloists, including clarinetist François Houle, the Molinari String Quartet, pianists Matt Mitchell and Santiago Leibson, bassist Carlo De Rosa, drummer Satoshi Takeishi, trombonist Ryan Keberle, and saxophonist Quinsin Nachoff, contributed their extraordinary talents to the premieres.
Patterns from Nature premiered in October 2023 at Hunter College in New York City and in November 2023 at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, offering audiences an unforgettable multimedia experience.