The Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts Announces Four New Pop-Up Concerts, 2/11-5/6

Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts continues the 2013-14 season with four exciting POP-UP CONCERTS: Thursday, February 6, 2014, Ensemble Signal; Tuesday, March 4, Ekmeles - Miller Theatre debut; Tuesday, April 1, Tony Arnold and Jacob Greenberg; Tuesday, May 6, Juilliard415 - Miller Theatre debut

Free admission • Doors at 5:30pm, music at 6:00pm at Miller Theatre (2960 Broadway at 116th Street)

Bring a friend, grab a drink, and join some of today's most interesting performers onstage at Miller Theatre on select Tuesday evenings. Launched in February 2012, Miller's popular Pop-Up Concerts resumes its third season this spring, continuing to provide free, informal performances in the early evening. The unique format allows the theater to test out new ideas and introduce new performers before they hit the Miller mainstage. Free libations contribute to the laid-back ambiance. All concerts start at 6 p.m.Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Continuing the theme from their September Pop-Up appearance, Ensemble Signal returns with another program of solo works. This concert features two pieces by one of the Ensemble's favorite composers, Hilda Paredes, including the U.S. premiere of herIntermezzo malinconico for bass clarinet, alongside two works by David Lang for solo percussion, both of which were originally commissioned by another Miller Theatre featured artist, Steven Schick. This unique pairing gives audiences a chance to experience a range of experiments in the solo form, and compare how these master composers and musicians have navigated the idiosyncrasies of their chosen instruments.

In their Miller Theatre debut, the New York-based vocal ensemble Ekmeles brings a program of contemporary a cappella works to the stage, with a variety of permutations from solos and duets to full-ensemble sextets. Featuring an all-star cast of singers, Ekmeles (which takes its name from the Ancient Greek word describing complex musical tonalities "not appropriate for musical usage") promises to push the boundaries of vocal performance and unleash a torrent of new and exciting sound in the process.

Harawi, a cycle of a dozen songs, is the first part of Olivier Messiaen's "Tristan Triology," a series in which he explores the themes of love and death, particularly in relation to the myth of Tristan and Isolde. Following the release of their 2013 recording of Hawari that has been heralded as "one of the best new interpretations of Messiaen in years" (WQXR), the acclaimed duo of Tony Arnold and Jacob Greenberg take to the stage to present their take on this notoriously complex modernist masterpiece.

As the Juilliard School's top period-instrument ensemble, Juilliard415 is comprised of some of the world's most talented students of 17th and 18th century music, who perform both rare and canonical Baroque works. Touring has always been a part Juilliard415's performance model, and the ensemble now adds Miller Theatre to the long list of venues it has visited in recent years. They make their debut with an intimate and expressive chamber music piece,Deuxième Récréation de Musique, from Jean-Marie Leclair - who deeply influenced the development of the French school of violin - as well as trio sonatas by Handel and another work of Leclair.

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