Kelly Wyse

Presentation (2023)

Studio 34a was a former model train shop; in 2017, composer and pianist Kelly James Wyse established Modellbahn Music at this space. A piano centric and eclectic concert series, the programme now takes place across various salons in Berlin. Wyse, returns the programme to its native patch for this evening’s performance.

Presentation (2016)

For the December 2016 edition of Urban Knights, Berlin, Kelly has composed four new piano pieces, which he will premiere and perform on the night.

Inspired by distinct locations around Berlin (U-Bahn 1 line; Rummelsburger Bucht, Berghain and the bells of the Berlinerdom). The source material for each piece is derived from field recordings taken on each site. From the recordings the key center, harmonic structure and literal motives are used as a basis for each piece. During the evening, Kelly will introduce and perform each piano piece.

Biography (updated, 2023)

Kelly James Wyse is a pianist, composer and teacher from the US living in Berlin. His music is inspired by experiments of harmonic colour either by way of overtone manipulation or repetition. His first solo piano record, Pastoralia, was self released in 2020 with the remix EP, Sol, released in 2021. He has been a core member of X-Ray Press, Pollens and The Seattle Pianist Collective and contributed to recordings by Erik k Skodvin, loscil, Rafael Anton Irasarri, Paurl Walsh, Jake Muir and Orcas. He holds a degree in piano performance from Cornish College in Seattle and has an active piano teaching studio which he hosts students online from around the globe.

Biography (2016)

Kelly Wyse is a pianist, composer and teacher who in 2016 relocated to Berlin from Seattle. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Conish College of the Arts in piano performance and over the years has recorded, performed or collaborated with a variety of groups and individuals including Pollens, X-Ray Press, Loscil, Orcas, Rafael Anton Irisarri, Jacaszek and The Seatle Pianist Collective. Currently Kelly is writing music for a new dance piece by Mexico City choreographer, Moises Himmelfarb and recording an album of solo piano music.

Image credit: Lydia Goolia

Date of publication

Fri 11 Nov 2016