ALICE presents a unique musical and artistic collaboration featuring a stellar all-star ensemble from the worlds of minimalism and experimental electronic music. Immerse yourself in extended, meditative compositions and sonic textures as Charlemagne Palestine, Oren Ambarchi, and Daniel O’Sullivan breathe new life into Palestine’s sacred masterpiece, KKAARREENNIINNAA.

The legendary avant-garde composer and performer Charlemagne Palestine, the Australian guitarist and sound pioneer Oren Ambarchi, and the English multi-instrumentalist Daniel O’Sullivan join forces in this visionary collaboration. Together, they reinterpret Palestine’s iconic work KKAARREENNIINNAA in a form that transcends time and tradition.

Originally recorded in Paris in 1997 and never performed live before, KKAARREENNIINNAA is considered one of the gems in the 77-year-old Charlemagne Palestine’s impressive repertoire of continuous music—a meditative form that explores long, uninterrupted soundscapes, focusing on texture and timelessness rather than traditional melodies and rhythms. Created for Indian harmonium and voice, the piece draws inspiration from Hindustani raga, spiritual synagogal cantorial singing, and Palestine’s signature style of extended, meditative composition.

Now, the work is brought to life in an entirely new version, with the trio’s artistic synergy introducing fresh dimensions. Karenina 2.0 embraces the sacred essence of the original while expanding it with Oren Ambarchi’s textural guitar work and Daniel O’Sullivan’s expansive harmonic sensibilities. In its reimagined form, the work envelops the listener in a sonic tapestry that transcends the boundaries of time, tradition, and genre. Join us for a transformative sonic journey as Charlemagne Palestine, Oren Ambarchi, and Daniel O’Sullivan reimagine Palestine’s iconic KKAARREENNIINNAA at ALICE this spring.

Charlemagne Palestine
Charlemagne Palestine has been a key figure on the avant-garde scene since the 1960s and is frequently mentioned alongside names like Terry Riley and LaMonte Young as one of the great American minimalists. With both radical and humorous approaches, he explores extremely long musical sequences and overtones, often using instruments such as grand pianos, organs, and church bells. His ritualistic use of instruments is contrasted with his flamboyant stage presence, creating a uniquely compelling experience.

Oren Ambarchi
Australian guitarist, composer, and sound pioneer Oren Ambarchi is celebrated for his ability to blur the boundaries between instrumental music, drone, and electronics. His exploratory use of the electric guitar as a textural instrument has redefined its role in modern music. With an extensive catalog of solo and collaborative projects, Ambarchi has positioned himself at the forefront of experimental sound, making him the perfect partner to explore Karenina in uncharted territory.

Daniel O’Sullivan
Daniel O’Sullivan is an English multi-instrumentalist and composer whose work spans an eclectic range of genres—from chamber music to psychedelic rock. Renowned for his collaborations with avant-garde luminaries and groundbreaking solo projects, O’Sullivan’s artistry is marked by lush arrangements and emotional depth. His contributions bring an additional layer of melodic and harmonic sophistication to this reimagining of Karenina.