A day of music and discussion with one of the world's most successful chamber groups

eighth blackbird

Tim Munro, flutes; Michael J. Maccaferri, clarinets; Matt Albert,* violin/viola; Nicholas Photinos,* cello; Matthew Duvall,* percussion; Lisa Kaplan,* piano

*N.U. alumni

10:30–11:45 a.m. Performance/Discussion in Regenstein Recital Hall

A mini-performance with artist introductions and a discussion of the roles (both musical and extra-musical) in a professional chamber music group.

12–1:30 p.m. Seminar in Regenstein Room 011

Student performances with feedback and discussion from eighth blackbird; Q&A

Over the course of these two sessions, eighth blackbird will discuss their particular career path and share what they've learned from nearly 15 years of work as a professional ensemble. Musicians will hear how to make themselves stand out from other groups, how to market and program themselves, and how to prepare and develop a career that has a chance at longevity.

Admission is Free. Coffee and Refreshments!

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Hailed as “friendly, unpretentious, idealistic, and highly skilled” by the New Yorker, eighth blackbird is widely lauded for its unusual performing style – often playing from memory with theatrical flair – and for its efforts to make new music accessible to wider audiences.  Since its founding in 1996, the sextet has actively commissioned and recorded new works; recent commissions include a concerto from Jennifer Higdon and pieces from Steve Reich, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Steven Mackey, David Lang, Stephen Hartke, and Bruno Mantovani.  The group’s CD strange imaginary animals won two Grammy Awards in 2008, including one for Best Chamber Music Performance.  eighth blackbird was honored in 2007 with the American Music Center’s Trailblazer Award and a Meet The Composer Award, and the group’s numerous competition wins include the Grand Prize at the Concert Artists Guild International Competition and the Naumburg Chamber Music Award. www.eighthblackbird.com

Presented through a generous grant from The Alumnae of Northwestern University