Juxtatonal

Juxtatonal [JUX] is a newly-formed contemporary music ensemble that combines intensity and playfulness. Founders, Jocelyn Zelasko, voice, and Bryan Hayslett, cello, met and performed together at Eighth Blackbird's Creative Lab [the Lab] in June 2017. Dawn Marie Hamilton, clarinet, is the newest member of JUX joining in November 2017.

Inspired by the Lab, JUX awakens curiosity through thought-provoking creative play providing space for listeners to question expectations. “Juxtatonal” references the juxtaposition of the preconceived notions of tonality and atonality. JUX’s diverse repertoire reflects this juxtaposition by exploring the proximity of people, instruments, and performance of sounds.

On paper, JUX is a voice, clarinet, and cello ensemble; however, each member also enjoys the playfulness of stepping away from their primary instrument. For example, JUX's debut performance in September 2017 at New Music Detroit's Strange Beautiful Music Festival included works by Amy Beth Kirsten for piano and toy piano, Mayke Nas for two players and a piano, and Tom Johnson for multiple players, in addition to works for voice and cello.

As a commissioning ensemble, JUX seeks living composers interested in pushing creative boundaries. A new commissioning project is on the horizon to include a North American tour and the release of a fully commissioned debut album.