Story perspectives

Composer Simon Hanes Premieres Genre-Bending 'Gargantua' in NYC

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Simon Hanes, a composer and conductor, premiered his hourlong Gargantua in New York in 2024.
The work features a seven-minute segment titled "Submit to the Fabulosity" and blends heavy-metal-funk rhythms.
Gargantua was released last month on Pyroclastic Records.
Hanes leads ensembles Tredici Bacci and Tsons of Tsunami, blending Italian soundtrack music with surf-rock and improvisation.
He calls himself "a composer who plays" but says the label feels pretentious.

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Story summary

Simon Hanes, a composer and conductor, premiered his hourlong Gargantua in New York in 2024.
The work features a seven-minute segment titled "Submit to the Fabulosity" and blends heavy-metal-funk rhythms.
Gargantua was released last month on Pyroclastic Records.
Hanes leads ensembles Tredici Bacci and Tsons of Tsunami, blending Italian soundtrack music with surf-rock and improvisation.
He calls himself "a composer who plays" but says the label feels pretentious.