While on a recent US tour with Grammy-winning American violinist Hilary Hahn, celebrated Düsseldorf-born piano composer Hauschka took a time-out to create this very special 3-part performance series with esteemed director Greg Hunt, set designer Tamarra Younis, and sound engineer J. Clark. Employing elements of magical realism, prepared piano, playful improvisation and inspired collaboration, this episode embodies everything we’ve come to love about Room 205.

Hauschka is the musical alias of acclaimed modernist German composer Volker Bertelmann. Over seven albums he’s explored the creative possibilities of the “prepared” piano by modifying its innards with an assortment of odds and ends (such as gaffer tape, aluminum foil, bells and ping pong balls), transforming the pure tuned instrument into mini rhythm sections. With his most recent solo release – 2011’s Salon Des Amateurs – he’s crafted an astonishingly creative piano-and-percussion homage to electronic dance music. The results are vivid, unconventional pieces made in a spirit of inspired research-enthusiasm.

Look for the second Hauschka x Room 205 performance, “Silver Lake,” to launch Monday, February 18th.