51. Iannis Xenakis, 1922–2001

Benny Sluchin studied at the Tel-Aviv Conservatory and at the Jerusalem Music Academy, parallel to pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy at the University of Tel-Aviv. He joined the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and was engaged as co-soloist for the Jerusalem Radio Symphony Orchestra. A member of the Ensemble Intercontemporain since 1976, he has premiered numerous works and recorded Keren by Iannis Xenakis, Sequenza V by Luciano Berio, in addition to nineteenth- and twentieth-century works for trombone. As a Doctor of Mathematics, Sluchin is involved in acoustic research at Ircam. Passionate about teaching, he edited Brass Urtext, a series of original texts on teaching brass instruments. He published Le trombone à travers les âges (2001, Buchet-Chastel) with Raymond Lapie. Two of his books have been awarded the Sacem Prize for pedagogic publications: Contemporary Trombone Excerpts (1996, EME Editions) and Jeu et chant simultanés sur les cuivres (1995, EME Editions). His written publication on brass mutes is a benchmark and his research on Computer Assisted Interpretation has been the object of several presentations and scientific publications. As an application to his research, Sluchin has released several recordings of John Cage’s music. His film Iannis Xenakis, Le dépassement de soi, was released in 2015 by Mode Records (Mode 284). In 2024 Sluchin received “A Lifetime Achievement Award" from the International Trombone Association “in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the trombone and a career that has reflected commitment to excellence and achievement.”