ArQ was formed in the beginning of the year 2000. ArQ was a trio consisting of Leon Spek, Ernst van der Loo and Ronald Aufenacker. At that time all students at the institute of Sonology in The Hague, The Netherlands. The trio was formed for a series workshops/classes in live electronic music under the supervision of the well-known composer/live-performer Richard Barrett (member of the live electronics duo Furt).
The basic set-up of the trio consisted mainly of toys, old hi-fi equipment and an effects processor. The working method allowed a big involvement of chance, mainly coming from the unreliability of the circuit bent toys and hi-fi equipment. There was definitely an influence from Cage and Tudor's live electronic works. However, the overall sonic end-result and intensity of the performances ended up somewhere between Japanese noise music, Indian ragas and ''serious'' electronic music.
ArQ existed until October 2000, when Ronald decides to leave to pursue a more beat influenced approach. Leon and Ernst continue working together, as a duo and in more extended groups like the Sono Ensemble. Ronald died unexpectedly in December 2000, aged 22.

ArQ1.jpg: In the back (from left to right): Leon Spek and Ronald Aufenacker. In the front (seen on the back): Ernst van der Loo with his minimal setup of an fx processor (with midi controller) and a CD player. He also takes care of the overall mix.

ArQ2.jpg: In the front: the incredible setup of (from left to right) Ronald Aufenacker and Leon Spek. In the back: Ernst van der Loo.

ArQ4.jpg: Left to Right: Leon Spek and Ronald Aufenacker. The piece of gear under Léon’s left hand is the rebuilt radio he still uses.

Photo's By: Thijs Scheele.

Taken on ArQ’s last performance as a trio. On the 29th of September at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague. The MP3's MaimRND*666 is the audio to these pictures.