2017-2018 Season
Vox Novus
Vox Novus
Vox Novus explores the questions of what it means to have a voice; how the human voice relates to tradition, storytelling, and record keeping; and the ways in which folk songs and folk tales relate to identity and understanding.
The concert features the talents of NAT 28 musicians alongside three vocalists who are celebrated for their performances of contemporary music. Soprano Jennifer Aylmer will be featured on two works by the award-winning Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho: Miranda’s Lament, a setting of the eponymous character’s words from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Die Aussicht based on the poem by the German poet Friedrich Hölderlin. The American premiere of NAT 28 composer Jean-Patrick Besingrand’s Aux couleurs du couchant reflété par mes yeux for solo voice will be given by soprano Anna Elder. Anna will also be featured on the world premiere of Curtis Rumrill’s Domestic Beasts of Vinland Char based on a poem by the composer’s long-time collaborative partner, Zach Webber. The concert will end with Folk Songs by the iconic composer, Luciano Berio. Mezzo-soprano Kara Cornell brings life to this set of eleven “recomposed” folk songs from around the world.
September 30, 2017
Third Presbyterian Church
5701 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
7:30PM
$12 online/at the door
$5 for students at the door only
Spotlight Series: The Music of George Crumb
The annual Spotlight Series features the work of living composers whose careers have helped define contemporary classical music as we know it today. This year NAT 28 features the music of the inventive and ground-breaking composer, George Crumb. In order to present a comprehensive program of his most famous works, this will be a two-concert event with a dinner in between. The first concert begins at 3:30pm. We’ll break for a special dinner at Legume before the second concert begins at 7:30pm. Full details below.
Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale) for flute, cello and piano simultaneously examines whale song and the creation of the universe. Mundus Canis for guitar and percussion is a set of musical caricatures that capture the spirit of five of the composer's dogs. Eleven Echoes of Autumn for violin, alto flute, clarinet, and piano explores Federico Garcia Lorca's lament on the "broken arch" of fall's climax and collapse. Black Angels is a thrilling work for amplified string quartet depicting figures of the underworld. The program also includes An Idyll for the Misbegotten for flute and percussion, and Dream Sequence for violin, cello, piano, percussion and glass harmonica.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Kresge Theatre - College of Fine Arts
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
5:00PM and 8:30PM
Second Annual Pittsburgh Composers Project
The annual Pittsburgh Composers Project features the work of established and emerging composers based in Pittsburgh. This year's concert includes the winners of NAT 28's second annual Call for Scores by emerging composers. It is a great opportunity for audiences to experience the creative and innovative music written by composers who call Pittsburgh home. The program will be announced once the winners of the Call for Scores are chosen on November 1, 2017.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Kelly-Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
7:30PM
French Music and Culture
NAT 28 celebrates its close connection to the music and culture of France. The ensemble's own composer-in-residence and French native (from Bordeaux), Jean-Patrick Besingrand has selected a program of works by his teachers and colleagues which capture the breadth of contemporary music in France today.
The program includes works by Georges Barboteu, Benoit Albert, Jean-Louis Agobet, Etienne Rolin, Pierre Boulez, and Jean-Patrick Besingrand.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Frick Fine Arts
University of Pittsburgh
650 Schenley Drive, across from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Main
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
7:30PM
$15 general/$5 students
A Polyphony of Pride
In celebration of Pittsburgh’s Pride Week, NAT 28 presents A Polyphony of Pride, a concert of works by LGBTQ composers. NAT 28 embraces diversity and inclusivity by programming music meant to highlight and celebrate the composers, community, audience, and ensemble members whose voices and backgrounds reflect a rich array of experiences and perspectives. By continually presenting the work of a diverse body of artists, NAT 28 seeks to help the classical music tradition become increasingly vibrant and relevant. The concert is made possible by support from The Opportunity Fund and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
The program includes works by Meredith Monk, Jennifer Higdon, Sean Shepherd,
Nico Muhly, Andrew Norman, and Pauline Oliveros.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Winchester Thurston School
555 Morewood Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
7:30PM
$15 general/$5 students
