At its heart, Present Music is an ensemble of musicians. Six times a year, Artistic Director Kevin Stalheim develops a program to be performed in Milwaukee, and at times in Madison, by the Present Music ensemble, which ranges from a core group of seven musicians to an ensemble of twenty. The Ensemble expands and contracts to allow for a diversity of instrumental combinations and the requirements of each program. The artists that make up Present Music engage the audience in imaginative and provocative concert experiences that have been described as "crackling with wit and intelligence," "wildly varied," "fun," and "unpredictable."
Influences
Present Music is committed to the creation of new work and nurturing emerging composers, and has commissioned nearly 50 new works in the past ten years. Composers who have worked in residence or have been commissioned by Present Music include John Adams, John Harbison, Michael Torke, Kamran Ince, Joan LaBarbara, Roberto Sierra, Bright Sheng, David Lang, Eleanor Hovda, Jerome Kitzke, Qu Xiaosong, Scott Lindroth, Lois V. Vierk, Daron Hagen, Mary Ellen Childs, Daniel Lentz, Jerome Kitzke, Juliet Palmer, Guy Klucevsek, and many others.
Sounds Like
Burkina Electric, the headliner of Present Music's upcoming concert has been described by composer Steve Reich as “Hot, intelligent and musical." The New York Times describes their sound as "...an irresistible brew of West African music and electronica."
Also debuting an orginal commissioned piece dedicated to Present Music, is Caroline Mallonee, who has established herself as a notable, prodigious composer. Her varied work has caught the attention of listeners of Opera and contemporary classical music around the world. The Village Voice says of Mallonee: "(She) has mastered a catchy, high energy style."
Come and experience for yourself on February 6th, at Milwaukee's Turner Hall Ballroom, 7:30 pm.
Internationally acclaimed and celebrating 26 year of new music, Present Music (PM) commissions, performs and records the music of living composers. It also nurtures the next generation of composers through its education program, the Creation Project. Founded by Kevin Stalheim, PM works closely with many of the world’s most exciting and significant composers, while also supporting the talents of emerging voices. It marked its 25th season with an unprecedented 11 world premieres, a New York tour, and special celebrations and is moving into its 26th season with concerts at six unique venues throughout Milwaukee! PM has toured extensively throughout the United States and has participated in several major international music festivals, including performances in Japan, China, and Turkey. Currently, Present Music can be heard on compact disc recordings that include composers Kamran Ince, Michael Torke, Daniel Lentz, Henry Brant, Jerome Kitzke, and Kimmo Hakola on the Argo, Albany, Aoede, Northeastern and Innova labels.
Hey, how are you? I just wanted to stop by and show some love to your most awesome profile! Don't be a stranger, and have a rockin' week!! Your friend, Todd Ray
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that my new album Afrikan Machinery is out now on Tzadik Records. Check out some of the tracks on my profile! You can buy the CD here, here, or here. It's also available on iTunes.
Best Wishes, Lukas Ligeti
thanks for adding my eye to your list of friends. all of you do an excellant job performing and exposing new music and very creative composers to the world. keep it coming. thank you....jamski
