WHAT IS NAMELESS SOUND?
Nameless Sound identifies collaborative, improvised music-making as a powerful medium for learning, creative work, therapy and play. Each week, our staff of artists work with over 100 young people in homeless shelters, refugee programs, public schools and community centers. In addition, Nameless Sound’s visiting artists, premier international names in the world of contemporary music, work in these settings when they come to Houston to perform in our concert series.

WHAT IS A BICYCLE OPERA?
Using speakers, a digitally programmed score, a computer and a GPS receiver, sonic bicycles pick up sounds and create musical compositions dependent on the path and direction chosen by their riders. “2nd Ward - A Bicycle Opera/ 2° Barrio - Una Ópera en Bicicleta” is a work for sonic bicycles commissioned and produced by Nameless Sound in 2014. Under the direction of UK sound artist Kaffe Matthews, the piece was made in collaboration with the Bicrophonic Research Institute, Vampire Squid Labs, East End residents, writers, musicians, children, programmers and engineers.

The bicycle opera was created through collaborative workshops at Ripley House. Workshops for seniors were conducted by writer and artist Stalina Villarreal. Music and writing workshops for children were conducted by David Dove and David Feil. Additional musical and poetic input came from and Abel Cisneros, and Denis Cisneros.