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    Residency B: Klavierautomat

    • Description
    • Course of the Residency
    • Support
    • Performance
    • Conditions, Application & Selection Process

    Description

    The research project Klavierautomat (piano automaton) explores the technical possibilities and artistic potential of a self-playing piano. 

    The ICST acquired a piano automaton in 2018. This device, developed and built by Winfried Ritsch, can be mounted on any conventional upright or grand piano, transforming it into a computerised instrument. The keys are struck by 88 solenoids capable of operating at high speed, opening a wide range of artistic possibilities—especially for the realisation of  algorithmically generated music. 

    At the ICST, further developments have been made to the piano automaton’s hardware and software—including, most recently, a controller for the sustain pedal—and artistic works that exemplify the device’s capabilities are regularly realised and presented to the public in concerts and sound installations. 

    The piano automaton is not intended to replace a human pianist. Its potential lies in reproducing music that exceeds the capabilities of a human performer. However, this does not preclude its use alongside human music-making or performance. In addition to purely generative works, the piano automaton can also be employed in interactive or sensor-controlled scenarios, as well as in improvised or composed human–machine chamber music. 

    Composers interested in this residency must submit a conceptual idea or a composition sketch that demonstrates a strong interest in the possibilities of the piano automaton. (See “Conditions, application & selection process”) 

    We encourage proposals that involve additional musicians. However, their exact number and specialisation can only be determined once the residency projects have been selected. During the residency, the ICST provides the piano automaton and the necessary control software. Additional musicians are available for rehearsals upon request and by arrangement. Composers are responsible for all other technologies they intend to use (e.g. generative software or sensors).

    Klavierautomat

    Course of the Residency

    The residency lasts two weeks (14 days) and takes place during the spring semester of 2026, preferably between March and early June.

    Support

    Philippe Kocher will be available to answer technical questions throughout the residency.

    Performance

    If there is mutual interest, efforts will be made to present and discuss the results of the residencies in a public performance or an artist talk at the ICST.

    Klavierautomat close-up

    Conditions, Application & Selection Process

    Applications for the Artists in Residence at ICST program must be submitted using the online form.

    This application window is open until 1 September 2025 at 24:00h CET. Candidates will be notified in mid-October 2026. The residencies will be awarded by a jury consisting of ICST researchers and project leaders. 

    Please upload the following documents: 

    • Concept sketch, composition idea or project draft (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
    • Portfolio containing three selected works relevant to the residency topic, including links to external media (audio & video) (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
    • CV in tabular form containing information on education and career (PDF, 1 page and 10 MB max.) 

    The selected candidates will be notified by email. Together with the notification, they receive the forms required for an invitation to Switzerland and are kindly asked to confirm their participation and return the filled-out forms within 10 days. If the period of 10 days is not observed, the ICST can withdraw the invitation.

    The exact dates for the residencies will be defined individually.

    The residencies include the use of facilities and technical infrastructure as specified in the thematic descriptions, as well as technical support by ICST research staff. 

    Participants will receive a contribution to their expenses for travel to Zurich (up to CHF 300 for persons living in Europe, up to CHF 500 for persons living outside Europe), as well as a per diem to cover meals and accommodation in Zurich during the residency. Participants organise their own travel and accommodation in Zurich, with ICST providing assistance if required.