Rafael Toral is well-known by audiences worldwide for his dense guitar drones and exquisite ambient work. But that was the problem, according to the Portuguese artist. His approach was in danger of becoming formulaic. So, Toral took what he considers a radical new direction.

Finally, after two years in transition, he is ready to introduce fans to his next phase, one he calls his Space Program. Here, Toral performs the U.S. premiere of compositions Space Study 1 and Space Study 2. Now he is focused on silence and its articulation with sound, manipulating sine waves with new tools like his special controller gloves.

A composer, musician and visual artist, Rafael Toral (b.1967, Lisbon, Portugal) has been performing since 1984. In the 90s he was described as one of the most gifted and innovative guitarists of the decade, influenced by Alvin Lucier, Brian Eno and Sonic Youth. Collaborators include Phill Niblock, Jim O’Rourke, Thurston Moore and Rhys Chatham.