The ARP 2600 is one of the most influential synthesizers ever created and has been played by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Edgar Winter, Joe Zawinul, and sound designer Ben Burtt (as the voice of R2D2). Recently brought back into production by Korg, the ARP 2600 is once again a beacon of unlimited possibilities for a whole new generation of musicians.
The ARP 2600 Synthposium event was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ARP 2600 Synthesizer. It was streamed live from The Record Co, a non-profit professional recording and rehearsal studio in Boston, MA, and featured a full day’s worth of clinics, performances, and other sonic fun using vintage and modern ARP synthesizers.
My group, The Jennifer Hruska Group, performed a 20 minute set featuring multiple ARP synthesizers alongside my current rhythm section partners (Ed Lesser, drums, John Hotchkiss, bass) as well as guest artist Peter Orne on trumpet and Kseniia Vasiliva on synthesizer.
The music included two arrangements of my own of Chick Corea's 500 Miles High and Windows. In honor of these iconic ARP instruments, as well as Chick's recent departure, the arrangements feature musical elements from Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind and Star Wars, both of which featured the use of ARP synthesizers.