Fringe Orchestra is the annual collaboration between the Fluid Orchestra and the Conservatory of Maastricht. Made up of students and alumni of the conservatory, the lineup summarizes three conventional formations: the symphony orchestra, big band, and electric band. Fringe Orchestra explores the periphery of Afro, big band jazz, punk, and electro. Composer Jesse Passenier (arranger at Metropole Orkest, winner of the Rogier van Otterloo Award 2017) and Bex Burch (Vula Viel) write music for the orchestra together, with principles from The Science of Groove. Burch herself plays on her characteristic gyil (Ghanese marimba); guests are trumpeter Carlo Nardozza (Henri Texier, Brussels Jazz Orchestra) and scratch DJ Vindictiv (De La Soul, Wayne Shorter). On stage is where the Fringe Orchestra feels right at home, inspired by contemporary live acts such as Ezra Collective, STUFF., and Snarky Puppy. Fringe Orchestra dares, grates, makes you dance, overwhelms, and inspires. The fringe area is where it happens.
