2007-08 Series
Spring Festival - "Sonic Divergence: A Confluence of Musical Originals"
PLOrk: The Princeton Laptop Orchestra
Maja Cerar, violin soloist
Tomie Hahn, sensor-suited dancing conductor
Saturday, April 5, 7:30 p.m.Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Give your mouse a night off and enjoy the Chicago-area debut of the groundbreaking Princeton Laptop Orchestra (better known as PLOrk), cofounded by Dan Trueman and Perry Cook. Using customized laptop computers and individual sounds systems, this 20-member ensemble can sound like a full symphony orchestra, a jazz combo, or an electronica band. This exciting program will include works with solo acoustic violin, a work with a dancing conductor covered with electronic touch pads, and two world premieres. Far from being pre-programmed, PLOrk musicians independently control dynamics, rhythm and sound to create a true ensemble effect.
Bang on a Can All-Stars with Special Guest Glenn Kotche
Sunday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
The New York Times calls the Bang on a Can All-Stars "a fiercely aggressive group, combining the power and punch of a rock band with the precision and clarity of a chamber ensemble." Newsday praises the group for "present[ing] new music the way it should be presented - with passion, precision, dynamism, stylistic authority, and a welcoming informality." This ensemble is dedicated to commissioning, performing, creating, presenting, and recording contemporary music. With an ear for the new, the unknown, and the unconventional, Bang on a Can has been exposing innovative music as broadly and accessibly as possible to new audiences worldwide for two decades. Joining the group is the brilliant percussionist Glenn Kotche, whose "other" job is playing drums for the critically acclaimed rock band Wilco.
Mack Attack! A Celebration of the Music of Steven Mackey and John Mackey
Contemporary Music Ensemble
Ryan T. Nelson, conductor
Matthew Coley, percussion
Monday, April 7, 7:30 p.m.Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Known for combining elements of pop, rock, jazz, and classical music, the brilliant contemporary American composers Steven Mackey and John Mackey are featured in a program celebrating their kaleidoscopic palette of sonic colors and compositional wizardry. This high-energy, entertaining program also features Matthew Coley playing traditional percussion instruments as well as an arsenal of toys and kitchen gadgets.
Steven Mackey, Micro-Concerto for Percussion and Five Instruments
John Mackey, Breakdown Tango
Steven Mackey, Physical Property
John Mackey, Juba
Lura
Tuesday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
She has been called "a young, African Portuguese, Lisboan Parisian Gladys Knight." Born in Lisbon to Cape Verdean parents, Lura has created an exhilarating new style that blends French Afro-pop, traditional African music, Cape Verdean song styles, jazz, and Brazilian rhythms. Her music, powerful voice, and scintillating dancing prompted the Times of London to call her "the most dynamic performer in world music right now." Joining Lura is her exciting instrumental ensemble.
The Juliet Letters: Music by Elvis Costello, Paul Cassidy, and the Brodsky Quartet
Featuring Devin DeSantis and the Mercutio String Quartet
Ryan T. Nelson, conductor
Thursday, April 10, 7:30 p.m.Lutkin Hall
The 1993 collaboration between pop star Elvis Costello and England's renowned Brodsky String Quartet was inspired by reports of a Verona professor who was answering letters he found addressed to Juliet Capulet. The result was a critically acclaimed series of 20 dramatic ballads, influenced by the songs of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, in which male and female characters of varying ages and degrees of sanity tell stories of love, betrayal, and death. Don't miss this little-known theatrical, musical gem.
In Praise of the Hammond B-3 Organ with the Who's Your Daddy? Trio featuring Dan Trudell, Chris "Hambone" Cameron And Friends, and the Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church Gospel Choir
Friday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Unveiled in 1935 by Chicago's Hammond Organ Company, the Hammond B-3 Organ, with its distinctive whirling "tone cabinet" sound, was intended as a less expensive option to church pipe organs. But it quickly found a happy home in many other venues and musical styles. This concert celebrates the B-3's unique sound and flair in all its jazz, blues, soul, pop, gospel, and Stax Records musical glory.
Paquito D'Rivera Trio with special guest Howard Levy
Saturday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.Pick-Staiger Concert Hall
Eight-time Grammy-winning classical and jazz clarinet and saxophone virtuoso Paquito D'Rivera is one of today's most gifted and versatile musicians. His many honors include the National Medal for the Arts, a 2005 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Award, and a 2007 Living Jazz Legend Award. Also a gifted composer, he won a 2004 Grammy for his Merengue as performed by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to his success in the Latin and jazz arenas, he regularly performs as a soloist with orchestras throughout the world. He is joined by his fellow trio members, pianist Alex Brown and cellist Dana Leong, as well as another longtime collaborator, harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy.
The Paquito D'Rivera Trio with special guest Howard Levy is generously supported in part by the Evelyn Dunbar Visiting Artist Fund.
