“This is what Edmonton has been waiting for for decades.”
 
Reinhard von Berg
composer, pioneer of electroacoustic music in Canada

Formed in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, the avant-garde multi-media performers Ensemble Mujirushi was founded to present new graphic, visual, conceptual, verbal, intuitive and open scores by the Canadian and international Avant-garde and Experimental composers, as well as experimental poetry. The group, which began as a quintet, was first conceptualized by the composer, writer and pianist Piotr Grella-Mozejko. Their public performances, notably during the Explorations Concert Series and New Music in New Places project, usually held at the Stanley Milner Library Theatre, have already become highly discussed and invariably receive a slew of enthusiastic reviews and comments from the critics and audiences alike. The ensemble specialises in the performance of contemporary avant-garde and experimental scores and poetry, which more often than not resemble abstract paintings. Because they were “nameless,” the group adopted the Japanese moniker Mujirushi (literally “no name”).

The six original members of the ensemble are all local musicians-performers. Composer and educator Piotr Grella-Możejko, who initially conceived of the group and became its wellspring, is pianist and keyboardist. The well-known performance artist Gerry Morita, the Artistic Director of the Mile Zero Dance Company, provides visual dance interpretations of the music. The brilliant mezzo-soprano and actress Michelle Milenkovic adds her interpretive skills to broaden the range of the group’s repertoire. The extraordinarily talented video artist, Christopher Payne, offers visual complementation for the music. Musician, educator and writer Jerry Ozipko performs on acoustic and electric violins, while composer, performer and educator Charles Stolte rounds out the sextet on saxophones.

Main areas of activity: Avant-garde, experimental, electroacoustic, interactive, interdisciplinary