Miller Theatre at Columbia University School of the Arts Presents Pop Up Concerts, 9/10

By: Christina Mancuso Aug. 22, 2013

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 kicks off its third season this fall, 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 from Harlem Brewing Company contribute to the laid-back ambiance. All concerts start at6p.m. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis, and doors open at5:30p.m

September 10: Ensemble Signal

Oliver Hagen, piano; Kelli Kathman, piccolo;
Bill Solomon, percussion; Steven Parker, trombone

Ensemble Signal presents three premieres, including a new work by Hilda Paredes, a composer with whom the group has worked closely over many years. This concert gives the audience a rare opportunity to hear seldom-featured solo piccolo and solo trombone on the same program.

PROGRAM:
Hilda Paredes: Paráfrasis for trombone (2009) world premiere
Elliott Carter: 90+ for piano (1994)
Hilda Paredes: Chaczidzib for piccolo (1992) U.S. premiere
Pierre Boulez: Douze Notations for piano (1945)
Hilda Paredes: Tzolkin for percussion (2001) New York premiere

October 29: The Horszowski Trio

Jesse Mills, violin; Raman Ramakrishnan, cello; Rieko Aizawa, piano

The Horszowski Trio makes its Miller debut examining the myriad ways composers use music not just to evoke a feeling, but to tell a story. The program will pair Joan Tower's moving and personal work for her late nephew with John Harbison's playful Piano Trio No. 2, and other works.

PROGRAM:
Joan Tower: For Daniel (2004)
John Harbison: Piano Trio No.2 "Short Stories"
I. Tale
II. Ballad
III. Rumors and Reports
IV. Enigma
Additional work, to be announced

November 19: The Catalyst Quartet

Karla Donehew-Perez, violin; Jessie Montgomery, violin;
Christopher Jenkins, viola; Karlos Rodriguez, cello

The Catalyst Quartet makes its Miller debut with a program that features a work by its own violinist Jessie Montgomery-a student of Joan Tower-alongside works by Tower, Philip Glass and jazz great Paquito D'Rivera. Catalyst is comprised of top winners and alumni of the renowned Sphinx Competition, an annual competition designed to identify and champion outstanding young string players in the Black and Latino communities.

PROGRAM:
Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981): Strum
Joan Tower (b. 1938): In Memory
Phillip Glass (b. 1937): String Quartet No. 3 "Mishima" (1957)
Paquito D'Rivera (b. 1948): Wapango

December 10: Yarn/Wire

Laura Barger, piano; Ning Yu, piano; Ian Antonio, percussion; Russell Greenberg, percussion

Yarn/Wire returns to Miller Theatre after their February 2013 debut with a program of new works for their unique instrumentation: two keyboard players and two percussionists. The four will team up to play a recent piece by composer Eric Wubbels, and then divide and conquer in solos for piano and marimba.

PROGRAM:
Eric Wubbels: alphabeta for quartet
Mei-Fang Lin: Interaction for solo piano and prerecorded CD
Alex Mincek: V for solo marimba
Tristan Murail: Selections from Les travaux et les jours for solo piano
Øyvind Torvund: The Stacks for solo marimba

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