The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s award-winning contemporary music ensemble-in-residence, 21st Century Consort, led by artistic director Christopher Kendall, and featuring chamber musicians Elisabeth Adkins, Paul Cigan, Lisa Emenheiser, Abigail Evans, Laurel Olssen, Sara Stern, Rachel Young with guest vocalists Lucy Shelton, William Sharp, Peter Becker, Deanne Meek and others, presents A Season of High Drama inspired by artworks from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s exhibitions and permanent collection.
FEATURED CONCERT
How it Begins
Sat., Feb. 23, 2013
An epic pairing of two major twentieth century works, both settings of surreal texts will be sung by soprano Lucy Shelton: Arnold Schoenberg’s seminal Pierrot Lunaire, with mime Mark Jastor as Pierrot, and To Wake the Dead, Stephen Albert’s earthy and decidedly un-surreal setting of passages from James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake, with Elegy, Bruce MacCombie’s moving tribute to Albert, and the Consort’s to MacCombie.
Arnold Schoenberg – Pierrot Lunaire
Bruce MacCombie – Elegy
Stephen Albert – To Wake the Dead
Program subject to change.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Smithsonian American Art Museum tells the story of America through the visual arts and encompasses more than three centuries of American artistic achievement that parallels the nation’s cultural development. The Museum is honored to host the 21st Century Consort as artists-in-residence. For more information on the museum and its Renwick Gallery, please visit our website at AmericanArt.si.edu.
The 21st Century Consort has presented outstanding artists in concert since its 1975 debut concert in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Lincoln Gallery. For thirty-five seasons, the Consort has offered engaging and challenging performances and recordings of contemporary American music especially for DC audiences. Visit 21stcenturyconsort.com for more information.
