The 36th Annual John Donald Robb Composers’ Symposium, Sunday, March 25 through Wednesday, March 28, at 7:30 p.m., takes place in Keller Hall, UNM Center for the Arts, unless otherwise noted. All events are free and open to the public.
Photo: Composer Robert Ashley
The symposium features music of Robert Ashley, the second composer from in a three year series featuring composers associated with Ann Arbor’s legendary ONCE festival, which Ashley organized in the 1960s. The other two composers are Roger Reynolds in 2006 and Gordon Mumma in 2008.
A major figure in American contemporary music, Ashley acquired an international reputation for his work in new forms of opera and multi-disciplinary projects. His opera, Foreign Experiences, will be performed in its entirety by Artists in Residence Jacqueline Humbert and Sam Ashley on Tuesday, March 27.
On Monday, March 26, the Robb Concert features a performance of Dean Robb’s Christmas Cantata, Op. 62, “Los Pastores,” which has just been edited and orchestrated for this premiere performance. The Del Sol String Quartet will again serve as ensemble in residence performing Monday and Wednesday evenings, March 26 and 28, music by Curt Cacioppo, Hyo-shin Na and the world premiere of a new string quartet by Richard Hermann.
The UNM Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will perform music by Joseph Turrin and the premiere performance of Openings by Christopher Shultis on Sunday, March 25 in Popejoy Hall. New Mexico Winds will perform music by Peter Lieuwen. Trio New Mexico will premiere music written expressly for them by UNM alumnus Sam Merciers. Premiere performances will also be presented by Patricia Repar and Scott Wilkinson. Music by Thomas Licata and UNM alum Raven Chacon complete the roster of guests whose music will be featured on evening concerts.
Renowned music theorist Jack Douthett has organized a microtonal day on Tuesday, March 27 with lectures in the morning and a 2 p.m. concert in Keller Hall featuring Neil Haverstick and The Partch Group from Los Angeles who will perform music by legendary composer, and former Albuquerque resident, Harry Partch. Daytime events will include lectures, presentations and composition seminars.
For a complete list of concerts and seminars for the Composers’ Symposium 2007, please go to John Donald Robb Musical Trust Web site at http://www.unm.edu/~rmt/.
Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920; e-mail: cgonzal@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at March 22, 2007 02:50 PM