Recently described as “perverse and nihilistic” by someone on Twitter, Anika Kildegaard (voice) and Will Yager (double bass) are LIGAMENT, an ensemble dedicated to commissioning new music and creating work for their unique instrumentation. LIGAMENT’s performances are a fusion of standard and non-standard elements; sometimes there are high heels and sometimes there are electric toothbrushes (and sometimes both). The duo is equally at home with extended techniques as with extra-musical elements. LIGAMENT is currently based in Baltimore/Philadelphia.

LIGAMENT means business: they’ve been ensemble fellows at New Music on the Point and Cortona Sessions for New Music; have performed in concert series iHearIC, Feed Me Weird Things, and the University of Iowa Center for New Music; have been tapped as the collaborating ensemble for dance performances not I but that which works within me (Alyssa Gersony) and Struggle for Pleasure (Armando Duarte). Recent appearances include the Kansas City Contemporary Music Festival and Cleveland Uncommon Sound Project’s Re:Sound 2021. They have premiered many new works, and have an upcoming album of pieces written expressly for the duo.

Christine Burke

    

Christine is a composer from Iowa City, IA, whose music has recently been performed by Duo Axis, Sounds Modern, and line upon line percussion trio. In July 2022, her debut album “Something kept close: outdoor music” was released on Sawyer Editions. Current projects include tabletop organ improvisations and the creation of a new piece for the Chicago-based experimental ensemble a pe ri od ic.

Justin K Comer 

Justin K Comer is a saxophonist, improviser, and composer living and working in Coralville, IA. He has self-released a bunch of music. In addition to solo work, he plays with groups like Wombat, BCJsPs, and the Christine Burke Ensemble. He also organizes the iHearIC concert series and produces the Rock Hard Caucus podcast.