Whitney Composers’ Showcase: Nico Muhly
This influencial series at the Whitney Museum of American Art, in hibernation for over two decades, prophetically presented portraits of many of the composers who would ultimately define late 20th century music. Of the impressive list: Luciano Berio, John Cage, Elliott Carter, Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Steve Reich, and Terry Riley just barely scratches the surface.
The museum is bringing the series back to life this year with the music of Nico Muhly, and I’ll be performing his Beaming Music, for marimba and organ. Originally commissioned for my graduate recital, with Nico performing the organ part, this performance will feature synth organs and also Nadia Sirota reading bass clef!
Have a listen to an excerpt from the premier performance, with the composer playing organ, recorded live in December, 2002:
The concert focuses on works for solo performer and electronics, be they a prerecorded tape part or a synth part performed live, as in the case of Beaming Music. Also performing on the concert are Alex Sopp - flute, Nadia Sirota - viola, and Lisa Liu - violin.
This concert is free!
More about the series, from the Whitney:
Launched at the Whitney in the spring of 1968, the Composer’s Showcase was one of the most extraordinarily forward-thinking series where the boundaries between different types of music (”classical,” “jazz,” “experimental,” etc.) were rejected in favor of a vibrant mix that focused on the individual composer’s brilliance, originality, and impact. Like the Copland-Sessions concerts a generation before, the series focused on emerging voices that changed the course of 20th century American music.
Click here to see this event’s listing on the Whitney’s website.
Friday, January 19, 7 pm
Whitney Museum of American Art
Lower Level Gallery
The Music of Nico Muhly
Beaming Music
Radiant Music
Honest Music
A Long Line
Video Game Music
Two Etudes for Viola and Tape (Premier)
Featuring:
Alex Sopp, Flute
Chris Thompson, Marimba
Lisa Liu, Violin
Nadia Sirota, Viola and Synth Organs
Nico Muhly, Synth Organs