Thomas Lehn / Marcus Schmickler
Marcus Schmickler: Computer
Multichannel PA, various confirgurations
Thomas Lehn is renowned for his virtuosity with analogue modular synthesizers and his roots in free improvisation. Since the late 1970s, he has pushed electronic music forward by drawing rich timbres and unpredictable textures from analogue systems. His realtime manipulations create evolving soundscapes that blur the boundaries between organic and synthetic sound. In collaboration with Schmickler, this approach becomes even more dynamic, forming a fluid dialogue between electronic and acoustic elements.
Marcus Schmickler, with a background in computer music, algorithmic composition, and contemporary classical traditions, contributes intricate processing and structural complexity. His work bridges electronic and acoustic realms, balancing order and chaos while maintaining emotional depth. His algorithms introduce evolving, unpredictable forms that keep the collaboration vibrant and continually shifting.
Together, Lehn and Schmickler create electroacoustic improvisations that merge analogue synthesis, digital processes, and live responsiveness. Their performances rely on real-time interaction, producing spontaneous musical conversations driven by tension between structure and freedom. This partnership challenges conventional ideas of composition and performance.
Their work ultimately forms a bold sonic tapestry—an evolving exploration of sound, improvisation, and technological possibility—leaving a lasting impact on experimental and avant-garde music and inspiring future explorations of electronic artistry.
2023
Sat. May 20, Belgrade @ Ring Ring Festival
Thu. April 20, Rome @ MACRO Museum (with Okkyung Lee)
2022
Thu. June 23, Monheim @ Monheim Triennale (with Chris Corsano)
2021
Sat. October 16, Donaueschingen @ Donaueschinger Musiktage
2020
Sun. November 1, Cologne @ Chamber Remix Cologne
2019
Fri. February 15, Paris @ Presénse Festival / Radio France Musique
2018
Fri. October 12, Moskau @ DOM
Fri. March 23, Den Bosch @ FAQ Festival
Sun. February 25, Boston @ Goethe Institute Boston, non_event
Sat. February 24, Baltimore @ Red Room
Fri. February 23, Austin @ no idea festival
Thu. February 22, Austin @ no idea festival
Tue. February 20, Houston @ nameless sound
Mon. February 19, Houston @ nameless sound
Sat. February 17, Chicago @ Lampo
2017
Sat. August 5, Berlin @ Radialsystem V / A L'Arme Festival
2016
Fri. February 12, Muenster @ Klangzeit Festival
2015
Sat. November 28, Bratislava @ NEXT Festival
2014
Fri. August 22, Berlin @ concepts of doing Festival
Fri. May 30, Bergen @ Landmark/Kunstha / Jazzfestivalen
2013
Fri. December 13, Tours @ Le Petit Faucheux (with Keith Rowe)
Thu. December 12, Montreuil @ Instants Chavires (with Keith Rowe)
Sat. November 9, Wels @ music unlimited Festival
2011
Sat. October 15, Krems @ Kontraste Festival
2010
Sun. November 14, Helsinki @ Äänen Lumo Festival
2009
Fri. November 13, Berlin @ Mimaroglu Festival
Sat. March 14, Cologne @ Nozart Festival
Fri. March 13, Utrecht @ SJU Podium
2008
Fri. November 7, Bordeaux @ CAPC musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux
Thu. September 4, Cologne @ a-musik
2007
Wed. October 31, Duesseldorf @ Heinrich-Heine-Institut
2006
Fri. September 8, Cologne @ Hommage à Johannes Fritsch
2005
Thu. December 22, Bremen @ R.E.M. Festival / Neues Museum Weserburg
Sat. September 10, Chicago @ 6ODUM
Fri. September 9, Oakland @ Mills College
Thu. September 8, Seattle @ Gallery 1412
Wed. September 7, New York @ Tonic
2004
Sat. October 2, Glasgow @ CCA
Sat. May 8, Cologne @ AMPLIFY: Addition / MusikTriennale Cologne
Fri. May 7, Cologne @ AMPLIFY: Addition / MusikTriennale Cologne
Thu. May 6, Cologne @ AMPLIFY: Addition / MusikTriennale Cologne
Thu. March 25, New York @ Experimental Intermedia
Wed. March 24, Annandale, USA @ Bard College
Thu. March 4, Cologne @ Galerie Rachelhaferkamp
2002
Sat. October 19, Tokyo @ Star Pine's Cafe
Fri. October 18, Tokyo @ Amplify 2002 Festival (with Keith Rowe)
Thu. August 1, Antwerpen @ Theatre Zuidpool
Thu. March 7, Stuttgart @ merz akademie space, Kleinen Schlossplatz
2001
Fri. November 9, Lille @ Le Malterie
Thu. November 8, Montreuil @ Instants Chavires
Sun. September 30, Cologne @ Loft (with Keith Rowe)
Wed. September 5, Cologne @ Stadtgarten
Sat. January 20, Liege @ Ancienne Eglise Saint-Andre
2000
Thu. May 11, Utrecht @ Ekko
Fri. April 14, Hasselt @ Kunstcentrum BELGIE