On the verge of composed and improvised music, Whim ensemble (Ofer Pelz, prepared piano, Preston Beebe, percussion and since 2021 Stéphane Diamantakiou, double bass) creates percussive landscapes by inventing instrument modifications and techniques to build an unusually rich sound world since 2015. They place found objects on their instruments to explore complex timbres, textures, and harmonies. Inspired by electroacoustic music, they generate sound through motion to create musical gestures which resonate to sound as one. Acting as an extension of the other, a motif develops to provide a framework to build a piece.

The ensemble has performed and broadcasted in Canada, US, France, and Israel. As a duo they have released two albums which were praised by several reviews. Their debut album “Whim” (2016) released by Kohlenstoff records, and the second album “pre-fall” (2019), was released by Ambiances Magnetiques. They are working these days with Stéphane Diamantakiou on their third album “trees” to be released by Parma recordings later this year.

From free jazz to contemporary experimental music, Whim ensemble is a genre-bending group. Their experience as composers and improvisers are fused into an ensemble that seeks to spark imagination and curiosity.

Whim Ensemble