Described as “not classical...but not not classical” (David Srebnik, SiriusXM Classical Producer), Invoke continues to successfully dodge even the most valiant attempts at genre classification. The multi-instrumental band’s other ‘not-nots’ encompass traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz and minimalism. Invoke weaves all of these styles together to create truly individual music written by and for the group.
Invoke has written and performed three film scores, bringing their most recent to the Walton Arts Center on Thursday, February 17. Lotte Reiniger’s The Adventures of Prince Achmed, the oldest surviving full-length animated film, tells the story from the famous collection of Middle Eastern folk tales, One Thousand and One Nights. Our hero, Prince Achmed, must face many challenges to save the life of his true love. Invoke’s improvisatory score matches the story’s mix of lighthearted and more sinister themes, weaving an epic tale to match the groundbreaking animation.
Recently, Zach Matteson and Karl Mitze of Invoke sat down with Walton Arts Center to answer some questions.
WAC: What can the audience expect from this performance?
Zach: The Unexpected! When we wrote the score for this silent film, the initial steps involved a group improvisation while watching the movie. Subsequently, we each took parts of the film and created scores that are essentially road maps leading us back to those inspiring moments from the original improvisation. Each time we perform it, it's slightly different, which makes it really exciting for us, and most importantly the audience. In addition, expect to be swept away by the stunning, groundbreaking imagery provided by the 1926 film by Lotte Reiniger, as well as enjoy a little "introduction" to the sound world of Invoke.
WAC: What's a memorable experience you've had while performing this work?
Zach: At the first showing, we were able to work with students from Austin Chamber Music Center's Summer Music Festival which really bolstered the sound and scale of the music. It was a tremendously fun time working with them – getting them to explore sections of group improvisation, think quickly on their feet, and maybe learn a few new tricks for their own future musical endeavors.
WAC: What drew you to this performance field?
Music has been a large part of my life and family. I come from a long line of music teachers, performers, and ethnomusicologists, so it felt really natural to be a part of this musical world somehow. Chamber music in particular became really my passion because of the freedom it provides in artistic expression as well as the deep friendships it must cultivate in order to thrive.
WAC: Who do you define as "visionary?" Why?
Karl: Caroline Shaw. She is so fearless and authentic in the way she crafts her art and has created a style of music that is all her own. I’m always trying to emulate that authenticity when I’m writing for our group even if that seems oxymoronic, I suppose I mean that I aspire to be as true to my own style as she is to hers.
WAC: To stay at your optimum performance level, how many hours a day do you rehearse?
Zach: We usually rehearse about 12-15 hours a week at this point in our careers. In addition, a lot of our weeks are now spent on the road, in a classroom talking to students, or on the concert stage so we don't have as much time as we once did when we were still in University. These days, we spend a lot of time on the preparation side to really utilize every minute of our rehearsals to our greatest advantage.
WAC: If you weren't in this performance field, what would you be doing now?
Zach: I really like the process of learning new skills and there's something about music that always feels like I'm learning a new thing every time I play. So, I'm not sure of a particular singular profession that I would stick to but I've always wanted to learn to drive a big rig on the highway...maybe I'd do that for a couple years before heading into the bartending world, and then in my later years getting a cabin in the woods just to write poetry for a couple more.
WAC: What did you turn to as a creative outlet in 2022?
Karl: A lot of dungeons and dragons and writing/storytelling! It’s the counterbalance to my musical writing in certain ways. Both use the same creative muscles but when I’m getting burnt out on one, the other can be a welcome gear shift.
WAC: What songs, artists, or genres of music are you currently listening to?
Karl: When I’m trying to chill or especially when I’m traveling I’ve been playing the George Strezov soundtrack to the video game Surviving Mars. For more active listening I’ve been jamming to Million Masks of God by Manchester Orchestra and Modern Country by William Tyler.
WAC: What's the #1 thing on your Netflix watchlist?
Karl: I REALLY need to finish Dark. I’m only one episode in and I fell off for no particular reason. I’ve heard such great things about it and it hasn’t been spoiled for me yet so that’s my next big watch.
Zach: I second this!
WAC: What are 5 words that best describe your work?
Zach: Storytelling, Family, Risky, Humourous, Disruptive (like in a field not necessarily on stage)
Known for bringing unforgettable and unique experiences to Northwest Arkansas, Walton Arts Center welcomes Invoke’s The Adventures of Prince Achmed to its stage. Hear Zach talk more about this exceptional performance and why it’s a “can’t miss” for audiences.
This performance is presented as a part of the 10x10 Arts Series and the center’s Mosaix programming initiative. Tickets are just $10, and available in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.