Monthly Archives: July 2016

Upcoming Performances by McMurtery and Mack

Flutist John McMurtery and pianist Ashlee Mack have been two of my most dedicated advocates. They have played many of my pieces in recital, and made the first recording of “For Milton” for Perspectives of New Music/Open Space (Righteous Girls made the second for New Focus). This Fall, McMurtery and Mack will be presenting severalContinue reading “Upcoming Performances by McMurtery and Mack”

7/23: Pierrot plus Percussion at Tanglewood

The Pierrot Ensemble, named after Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire and consisting of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, has, since its inception, been a signature assembly for contemporary music. The preferred version of the ensemble also includes a percussionist: the “Pierrot plus Percussion” grouping is the default core membership for many new music groups. Even afterContinue reading “7/23: Pierrot plus Percussion at Tanglewood”

Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016)

I’m sad to report that composer Einojuhani Rautavaara has passed away at age 87. He continued to be active until the very end, with a premiere just last month. Orpheus singt (video), a setting of Rainer Maria Rilke for a cappella chorus, was performed by SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart, directed by Marcus Creed.  

21st Century Consort Records “Cathedral Music” (CD Review)

Cathedral Music Works by James Primosch, Stephen Albert, and Christopher Patton Lucie Shelley, treble; Mary Mackenzie, soprano 21st Century Consort; Christopher Kendall, conductor Albany Records CD Troy 1615   Washington’s National Cathedral might not be the first place one considers as the best to record chamber forces. But Cathedral Music, the 21st Century Consort’s new Albany recording, revelsContinue reading “21st Century Consort Records “Cathedral Music” (CD Review)”

Sara Gazarek & Josh Nelson: “Blackbird”

Vocalist Sara Gazarek teams with pianist Josh Nelson on the forthcoming recording Dream in the Blue (Out 8/5/16). Below is a video of their performance of a medley of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” and the jazz standard “Bye Bye Blackbird.”   Upcoming Tour Dates: August 1 / Birdland / NYC* August 12 / Blue Whale /Continue reading “Sara Gazarek & Josh Nelson: “Blackbird””

Gregg Smith (1931-2016)

Gregg Smith, one of the most prominent choral conductors in the United States, has passed away at the age of 84. With his Gregg Smith Singers, Smith brought a wide variety of repertoire to all corners of the US and abroad. In particular, he specialized in American music – folk songs, spirituals, hymns, and contemporaryContinue reading “Gregg Smith (1931-2016)”