Rambert Event at Phillips London

Phillips, London auctioneers, internationally recognised galleries and owners of swanky headquarters in Berkeley Square since 2014, are set to exhibit art of a new form.

Rambert, London’s premier contemporary dance company, will continue the celebrations of their 90^th anniversary with a unique Rambert Event at the galleries, inspired by the artistic happenings created by choreographer Merce Cunningham.

For a gallery group that prides itself on holding an edge in contemporary art, it’s a great decision. Cunningham, an icon in contemporary dance, staged the first of his legendary ‘Events’ in Vienna in 1964. Unlike the portable pieces in most dance company repertoires, the dance, music and design elements were created in isolation and brought together only at the moment of performance.

50 years after that first Event, Rambert channelled Cunningham’s serendipitous spirit for their own Rambert Event in 2014. This 2016 outing then isn’t entirely chance-led, but takes on a whole new face in Berkeley Square.

It’s a luxurious space, suited to photography exhibitions with weighty price tags beneath high ceilings and lashings of natural light. Into this prime oasis will be unleashed the full throttle of Rambert’s considerable power, complete with leaping, space-filling choreography.

True to the original spirit, Philip Selway of Radiohead and Quinta, who composed the score with Adem Ilhan, and Chris Vatalaro will play music live. Aptly, set and costumes are based on Gerhard Richter’s Cage series - the series itself being inspired by the music of Merce Cunningham’s musical collaborator and life partner, John Cage.

The Event features extracts from ten Cunningham works in the Rambert repertoire (Septet 1953 to Pond Way 1998), arranged for the space by former Cunningham dancer Jeannie Steele.

Critics were complimentary in 2014, so expect moments of the real luck-driven harmony that must have been part of the original Events.

Keeping Cunningham’s iconic legacy alive was a big preoccupation for his company at his death. In this house of the most respected, and expensive, contemporary art, is perhaps the answer.

Tickets on sale from 10am on Monday 12th September.