Nick Tsiavos - Biography

Nick Tsiavos is a bassist and composer whose work operates at the intersections of a number of cultural boundaries: from 8th century chant to contemporary minimalism, from syncretic hybridisation to experimental improvisation, from church to pub to concert hall.

Since 1994, Tsiavos has been developing new music for the solo bass. As an 'ethnic' musician he is interested in, and informed by, non-canonical discourse, while refusing the tokenism that ethnicity often entails. The diversity of his cultural influences come together to create a new language for the bass - work articulating an intensely personal response to the problematics of contemporary Australian culture.

Tsiavos has performed as a bass soloist at venues including La Mama and the Antipodes Festival (Melbourne), 'Kulcha' (Fremantle), Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music (Hobart) and at the Brett Whiteley Retrospective at the Art Gallery of New South Wales . He has performed as a bass soloist in concert tours throughout Australia , with the assistance of the Australia Council of the Arts .

In 1995, the CD All that is Solid melts into Air was produced featuring his new work for the solo bass. Of the CD, Andrew Hollo, Hybrid PBS Radio said '.... these bare yet lush pieces let the emotions soar - the use of a single instrument creates an unparalleled immediacy and closeness....this is music that speaks very directly to the soul ...' Doug Spencer, The Planet ABC Radio '... a delightful surprise, a pleasure to hear the bass sing ...'.

'...startling levels of energy...' Clive O'Connell, The Age, 1999 . '... Nick Tsiavos' rhythmically charged double bass...' Jeremy Vincent, The Australian, 1999

In 1995, Tsiavos formed the group Jouissance , exploring the dialogue between contemporary thought and ancient chant. As the group's artistic director, Tsiavos has produced a dark and confronting examination of Medieval and Byzantine chant. Jouissance has toured internationally and throughout Australia . '... wrenchingly ecstatic...this music's trances like states actually take you on a journey ...' Clive O'Connell, The Age 1997 .'.... the ethereal music was an engrossing experience ...' Jeremy Vincent, The Australian 1999 .

Tsiavos continues to freelance between the worlds of jazz, new music and folk music in all its forms. His performances and compositions are regularly broadcast.

He is currently developing new repertoire for voice and contrabass with the soprano Deborah Kayser. They have had numerous broadcasts on ABC Radio's New Music Australia and Poetica.

Mid 2001 Tsiavos released a new CD of solo bass improvisations entitled Transference. This was recorded inside a local council incinerator designed by Walter Burley Griffin and has been featured on numerous ABC radio programs.