The Southern Theater Presents Ensemble Dal Niente, 4/3

The Chicago-based Ensemble Dal Niente performs a range of music from the past century: European avant-garde, American high modernism and styles influenced by popular music and jazz. For this performance, the group tackles the cutting-edge music of composer and University of Minnesota professor James Dillon, showcasing an array of solo and ensemble pieces featuring Twin Cities soprano Carrie Henneman Shaw, clarinet, vibraphone, piano, string quartet and more. Dillon's catalogue is rooted in the European classical tradition, touched by his formative exposure to Scottish pipe music, and displays a wide interest in other music from jazz and Delta blues, to the Hindustani classical tradition and Oriental court music.

"In James Dillon, Ensemble Dal Niente sees an opportunity for collaboration with one of the world's most sophisticated and unique musical minds, whose music we feel is underrepresented," says Ryan Muncy, executive director and saxophonist of Ensemble Dal Niente. "As several members of the ensemble are deeply interested in Dillon's music, and considering the geographical convenience of presenting a concert of James' music in his city of residence, this opportunity is the perfect of marriage of imagination, ideality and practicality."

"Dillon's works demand musicians who are fearless, deeply committed to contemporary music, and open to exploration of unconventional playing techniques," says Muncy. "Dal Niente's musicians are of a rare breed; they are willing to push themselves to physical and mental extremes for the sake of expression."

The programming for Dal Niente's performance at the Southern Theater has been largely influenced by the composer himself, who took great care in sculpting its overall shape and musical experience.

Evening Program:
The Book of Elements, Vol. 4 (2002) for piano
Time Lag Zero (1982) for female voice and viola
Come Live with Me (1981) for mezzo-soprano, flute, oboe, percussion, and piano
Todesengel (1996) for clarinet and vibraphone
The Soadie Waste (2003) for piano and string quartet

Performances: April 3, 2011
Sun. at 7pm
Tickets: $20
$12 student rush

Southern Theater box office: 612.340.1725
1420 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55454

For more information, visit southerntheater.org.

Photo Credit: Michael Monar