Since its inception in the 1960s with pioneers like Steve Reich and Meredith Monk, minimalism has become one of the most influential forces in contemporary music – and indeed, the ubiquitous soundtrack of our modern American lives. But as a younger generation of composers absorbs the legacy of this movement, what comes next? Juxtaposing minimalist figureheads with a quintet of dynamic new voices, this evening gives a glimpse of a thrilling, varied and emotionally resonant future.
This performance also features Stay On It by Julius Eastman, whose music is currently enjoying a worldwide resurgence.
Gabriel Kahane: For Meredith (World premiere)
Steve Reich: Selections from Electric Counterpoint
Shelley Washington: Middleground (arr. L. Lanzilotti)
Reena Esmail: Darshan for Solo Violin
Sam Adams: Movements (for Us and Them)
Andy Akiho: Three Shades, Foreshadows for Solo Cello & Electronics
Julia Wolfe: A Wild Furze
Meredith Monk: Ellis Island
Julius Eastman: Stay On It
Read Program Listing
Deanna Tham, Conductor
Gabriel Kahane, Host, Piano & Curator
Trevor Fitzpatrick, Cello
Erin Furbee, Violin
Mike Gamble, Guitars
Holcombe Waller, Vocals
Oregon Symphony
How do we transform and transcend loss as we grieve? The violinist and composer Curtis Stewart spent four years caring for his cancer-stricken mother, a composer and violinist herself. His latest album, of Love., is a personal requiem and tender tribute to his mother's memory. This concert brings together excerpts from Stewart’s album and Grieg's buoyant yet nostalgic Holberg Suite, and also features Missy Mazzoli's gothic and shadowy violin concerto, Dark with Excessive Bright.
