Aside from being a crutch for the occasional psychedelic rock group and contemporary composer, the theremin’s history is infrequent and largely unsung. Innovative, versatile and undeniably strange, this century-old instrument is often misunderstood and pigeonholed as a novelty due to its unconventional, hands-off nature. But the theremin’s complete control over frequency and amplitude still attracts the occasional techie or adventurous musician. Shueh-Li Ong, the founder of electronic act Xenovibes, falls comfortably into either of the previously mentioned groups. Aptly nicknamed “Singapore’s Theremin Diva,” Ong is no stranger to the capabilities of this minimalist device. Layering the pitch-bending underdog with vocals, piano and other various instruments, her multifaceted performances prove the theremin’s ability to play well with others. Ong’s Nashville debut takes place this week at the Steinway Piano Gallery alongside Tom Brislin, Belmont University’s Elisabeth Small and F. Scott’s regular Beegie Adair.
— Matt Fox