Interview with Ars Nova Founder

More evidence that live avant music is becoming more common, at least in big cities. The founder of Philly’s Ars Nova Workshop is interviewed on his series’ apparent artistic success.

Christman founded Ars Nova Workshop in 2000. The nonprofit group organizes performances of old and new experimental music. In the coming months, he’ll be creating a record label to get the performances from the past decade out to the wider world of jazz lovers. Tonight, a full house has assembled at World Café Live to hear the music of Julius Hemphill. Hemphill created some cutting edge experimental music in the 1970s and 80s.

Jazz, avant garde, progressive or experimental music, whatever you call it, it’s not for everybody, though there are plenty of people in Philadelphia interested in listening to and playing this music. Starting in intimate venues nine years ago, Ars Nova has moved to spaces that can accommodate up to 400 people. And that activity is reverberating among artists, with more creative collaborations springing up.