FirstWorks to Close Frontier Series with Aurea Ensemble's CHROMATIC FANTASY

FirstWorks' 2015/16 Frontier Series concludes with the world premiere of an arresting new work by the Rhode Island-based Aurea Ensemble, a performance group with a superb string quartet at its heart. Aurea's "CHROMATIC FANTASY: THE WORLD OF CIURLIONIS" will debut on Sunday, April 24 at 4 p.m. at the RISD Auditorium (7 Canal Walk, Providence River Greenway). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and are available online at first-works.org and by phone at 401-421-4281.

Part of FirstWorks' Frontier Series, which gives Rhode Island audiences a first look at groundbreaking performances, "CHROMATIC FANTASY" focuses on the fascinating, synesthetic work of Lithuanian composer, artist and writer Mikalojus Ciurlionis (1875-1911), a unique figure in the history of European arts. This new program interposes some of Ciurlionis' vast output for piano, string quartet, and voices with writings and projections of his highly imaginative, symbolic artwork, which is recognized for its contribution to art nouveau and symbolism. Ciurlionis lived only to the age of 36-and like painter Vincent van Gogh, a fellow artist with whom many parallels are drawn-he had a tremendous creative output in his tragically short lifetime. Judging by the breadth of his artistic activities and diverse interests, ?iurlionis can be seen as a true "Renaissance Man," with nearly 400 musical compositions and an equal number of paintings attributed to him.

"Connecting art with audiences, especially a new creation, is at the heart of FirstWorks," said Kathleen Pletcher, Executive Artistic Director of FirstWorks. "This is the sixth premiere we've presented by Aurea and we are proud that many of these 'first works' have gone on to be seen on national stages such as the Chicago Humanities Festival and New York's Skirball Center. Aurea's performance promises to be a feast for the eyes, the ears and the soul."

Aurea Ensemble's lush fusion of classical music, visuals, and spoken word is focused on the intense cross-pollination of art, poetry and music at the turn of the 20th century. In the multi-layered "CHROMATIC FANTASY," the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Olivier Messiaen, Igor Stravinsky, and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt will further highlight the striking vibrancy of Ciurlionis' unique vision and create a context both past and present for his work.

The premiere of "CHROMATIC FANTASY" will feature founding Aurea Ensemble members Consuelo Sherba, viola (Rhode Island Philharmonic, Boston Pops, Pell Award-winner); Nigel Gore, spoken word (Trinity Rep, "Women of Will" at Shakespeare & Company); and Chris Turner, spoken word and harmonica (Rhode Island Philharmonic, Ocean State Chamber Orchestra, Trinity Rep) plus an expanded ensemble including Katherine Winterstein, violin (Rhode Island Philharmonic, the Handel and Haydn Society, Boston Baroque); Megumi Stohs, violin (Landmarks Orchestra, Sapporo Philharmonic); Emmanuel Feldman, cello (Carnegie Hall, Boston Pops, Boston Philharmonic); and Schola Cantorum of Boston members Fred Jodry, piano and baritone; Elise Groves, soprano; Sophie Michaud, alto; and Adam Simon, tenor. Noted art historian and ?iurlionis scholar Stasys Gostautas will introduce the program with a short discussion ?iurlionis' artistic impact and relevance at the turn of the 20th century.