The Folding Space Conduction Ensemble continues the legacy of the Conduction Lexicon created by the maestro Lawrence D. “Butch” Morris and passed on to Carlos Santistevan by the great JA “Dino” Deane. Using 50 different signs and gestures, the ensemble creates real-time large ensemble spontaneous music that exists in a genre-less space blurring the lines between improvisation and composition.
“Conduction(R): The practice of conveying and interpreting a lexicon of directives to construct sonic arrangement or composition; a structure-content exchange between conductor/instrumentalist that provides immediate possibilities to alter or initiate harmony, melody, rhythm, tempo, progression, articulation, phrasing or form by manipulating pitch, dynamics, timbre, duration, silence, and organization in real time”
The Musicians are responsible for the content. The Conductor is responsible for providing the structure. The musical form reveals itself to everyone (conductor/ musicians/listeners) as it unfolds in the moment.
The Folding Space Conduction Ensemble is a JA Dino Deane Legacy Project that explores the possibilities of Conduction monthly. Many members of the ensemble have been exploring this revolutionary form of music together for over 20 years as members of Dino’s Out of Context, while new voices bring a vitality and freshness to the music.
“In Santistevan’s hands, Dino’s baton continues to conduct new sonic explorations, ensuring this rare musical form persists and evolves for future generations to discover.” – SF Reporter
“A mind blowing performance…a beautiful excercise in collectivity” – Offside
Carlos Santistevan played basses, guitar, and electronics in J.A. “Dino” Deane’s Out of Context Conduction ensemble for over a decade starting in 2004. During this time, Carlos was entrusted with a deep knowledge and understanding of the works and legacy of Butch and Dino. Shortly before Dino’s passing in 2021, Dino bestowed the archives of Out of Context to Carlos. Carlos has studied over 100 rehearsals and is producing recordings to release a series of Out of Context LP’s to preserve Dino’s legacy. The first LP – Live at the High Mayhem Festival 2004 is a raucous performance. The LP can be listened/purchased here:
The group began in Spring 2024 and had it’s official debut on April 27, 2025 at The Outpost Performance Space in a Tribute to JA Dino Deane. Video of the performance is here:
The Folding Space Conduction Ensemble is:
Carlos Santistevan- conductor
John Flax -text
David Forlano- electronics/sampling.
Katie Harlow- cello
Rosie Hutchison – violin
Marya Errin Jones– vox/electronics
Sean Kennedy – tuba
Micky Lusk – harp
Keely MacKey – cello
Alex Neville- acoustic guitar
Chris Ogden – bassoon
Joseph Sabella – vibraphone
Alicia Ultan- viola
Milton Villarrubia III – drums/percussion
