Bang on a Can All-Stars and Iva Bittová at the 30th Stage Songs Review: voice, violin and the musical avant-garde

The American ensemble Bang on a Can, leading representatives of avant-garde contemporary music, will perform at the anniversary 30th Stage Song Review. The ensemble's special guest was Iva Bittova, the Czech avant-garde violinist, singer, actress and composer.

Iva Bittova

Iva comes from a musical family: her father and two sisters are professional performers. She was born in 1958 in Bruntal, Moravia. Her artistic education began at a theatre-focused nursery, where she took ballet and violin lessons. She continued at the Music Conservatory in Brno, already appearing as an actress and musician at the city’s Divadlo Husa na provázku theatre during her studies. She recalls these experiences as the most important to her artistic development. She later also acted in radio, television and cinema productions. Before long, she began studying under Rudolf Stastny, leader of the Moravian Violin Quartet. The violin soon became her life’s passion. She moved to the USA in 2007.

Her unique singing style and playing technique brought international fame. She has collaborated with leading rock avant-garde artists. At PPA, American ensemble Bang On A Can accompanied her. Its musicians are distinctive guardians of the quality and development of contemporary music worldwide.

“Over many years,” says Bittová, “I've worked in many musical styles, including jazz, rock, classical music and opera. I haven't defined my own style yet. Whatever it is, my listeners consider it highly original. My music and interpretations have always been inspired by everyday life.”

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