Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra: Beethoven / Harrison with Adam Tendler, piano
$40 ($20 students; $60 premiere seating)
- Adam Tendler, piano
- Gamelan Son of Lion, gamelan
- Philip Nuzzo, conductor
Gustav Mahler — Blumine
Ludwig van Beethoven — Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
In an evening that seamlessly blends musical sounds and inspirations from different and diverse cultures, this performance celebrates the mastery of musical works by Beethoven and Mahler, while offering audiences the New York premiere of Lou Harrison's rare Concerto for Piano with Javanese Gamelan.
The evening opens with a unique collaboration between award-winning and pianist Adam Tendler and Harrison's original instruments in his rare Concerto for Piano with Javanese Gamelan. Composed nearly 40 years ago, it showcases the composer's adventurous spirit in building instruments to explore his passion for Javanese gamelan – a classical Indonesian melodic-percussion ensemble of metallophones, drums, gongs, strings, and voices – that was further inspired by his lessons with the great Javanese master KPH Notoprojo.
Adding a layer of historical resonance, the performance of Lou Harrison's Concerto will utilize the Gamelan Si Betty, considered the largest American-built set of its kind and comprised of the original instruments built, tuned, and decorated by Harrison and his partner William Colvig. Bequeathed to Jody Diamond, Harrison's gamelan teacher, orchestrator, and musical director of the evening, the concert's gamelan musicians are from the NY-based group Son of Lion—the oldest gamelan composers' collective in the United States. The challenge of this composition extends beyond its unconventional instrumentation – it lies in the intricate adjustment of the piano to match the tuning Harrison chose for the gamelan instruments. This musical phenomenon weaves the threads of Lou Harrison's legacy into the vibrant contemporary music scene in Brooklyn, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
Under the baton of conductor Philip Nuzzo, the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra will bring the evening to a magnificent close with two additional masterpieces. Gustav Mahler's Blumine Movement, a rarely performed piece initially rejected as the 2nd Movement of Mahler's 1st Symphony, offers a unique glimpse into Mahler's compositional decisions, adding an insightful layer to the repertoire. The orchestra will also present Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92. Comprising four movements, this symphony stands as a testament to Beethoven's innovation and musical brilliance. Notably considered Beethoven's personal favorite, it is celebrated for its pervasive sense of true spontaneity.
About Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra
Founded in 2002, The Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra is committed to building a strong foundation for classical music in Brooklyn.
Our mission is to develop and sustain an orchestra of the highest artistic standards in Brooklyn; and to enrich and inspire through music, community engagement, and education.
https://brooklynchamberorchestra.org/About Adam Tendler, piano
Adam Tendler is a recipient of the Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists and "currently the hottest pianist on the American contemporary classical scene" (Minneapolis Star Tribune), a "remarkable and insightful musician" (LA Times), and "relentlessly adventurous pianist" (Washington Post) "joyfully rocking out at his keyboard" (New York Times).
An internationally recognized interpreter of living, modern, and classical composers, and a pioneer of DIY culture in concert music, at age 23 Tendler performed solo recitals in all 50 states as part of a grassroots tour called America 88x50, the subject of his acclaimed memoir, 88x50.
He has gone on to become one of classical and contemporary music's most recognized and celebrated artists, appearing recently as soloist with the LA Philharmonic and on the main-stages of Carnegie Hall and Brooklyn Academy of Music.
http://adamtendler.com/About Gamelan Son of Lion, gamelan
Gamelan Son of Lion is a new music repertory ensemble based in downtown New York City specializing in contemporary pieces written for the instruments of the Javanese gamelan. Gamelan Son of Lion is among the oldest Gamelan ensembles in the US, having performed continuously since 1976.
The ensemble was begun by a core group of composers: Barbara Benary, Daniel Goode, and Philip Corner. Its repertoire centers on new compositions by these and other American composers, as well as experimental works by Indonesian composers, a number of pieces involving gamelan with electronic music, and several theatre works involving opera, wayang kulit, multimedia, and dance. The ensemble has premiered more than 100 pieces since its inception.
http://www.gamelan.org/sonoflion/About Philip Nuzzo, conductor
https://brooklynchamberorchestra.org/orchestra/philip-nuzzo/