Symphony on the Edge presents Musical Dim Sum'
Musical crossroads where the worlds collide

Apr 11, 2008

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Matlow 326-3136

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SPOKANE: Symphony on the Edge will present a compelling and challenging program of works from numerous composers of contemporary music on Friday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Big Easy Concert Hall. Associate Conductor Morihiko Nakahara has selected transcendent new music, relying heavily on modern composers, as well as one giant of Japanese modern composing, Toru Takemitsu.

The program created by Spokane Symphony Associate Conductor Morihiko Nakahara will take audience members on an otherworldly journey through the many varied faces of classical music. While this performance is anything but traditional, listeners will find the pieces presented here fit into the contemporary genre of classical music much in the same way traditional classical pieces fit into the musical landscape they were composed in back when Beethoven and Bach were composing.

Selections in the program include:
* Shakedown by Randall Woolf, categorized as hyperactive, very rhythmic and groovy.
* Octandre by Edgard Varèse, one of the original "bad boys" of music; explores extremes of dynamics, colors, etc. A bit of "shock and awe" is the desired effect here. Normally his music is well received upon first listen, until it's noted that Frank Zappa loved Varèse's music.
* Tree Line and Requiem by Toru Takemitsu Creates an atmosphere where silence is equally as important to sound, says Nakahara. Musical gestures that are foggy and ambiguous giving the illusion of stopping time. This piece invites listeners to experience sound and space in a different way. Very sensuous, and therefore, very Japanese.
* Shattered Dream by Xi Wang. Very bold musical gestures created by dynamic use of percussion and strings in tandem to communicate new and exciting sounds rooted in traditional Chinese themes. This young and upcoming composer will be attendance at this concert.
* Pizzicato by Vivian Fung will, according to Nakahara NOT be mistaken with Strauss' "Pizzicato Polka".
* Strange Humors by John Mackey. Nakahara discovered his music because of Mackey's blog, which deals more with food, drinks and travel than with his music. Originally written for a modern dance company, this piece relies on hypnotic rhythmic effects to draw the listener in. Symphony on the Edge has previously featured another one of Mackey's works entitled Damn.
* Crazed for the Flame by Evan Chambers. The title of this piece was inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke, while the musical content was inspired by the great Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Tight melodic cells repeated incessantly to create ecstasy and intensity.

The evening's programming is described by Nakahara as Musical Dim Sum. He has compared the lineup of diversely colorful composers and equally juxtaposing music to a Musical crossroads where the worlds collide. As is customary with Nakahara's programming for this event, it is sure to stretch the listener but leave them refreshed and entertained as well.

Nakahara and the almost 50-piece orchestra will dress casually. You are invited to grab refreshments and listen to exciting music chosen to stimulate and excite the listener. Concert lighting, video close-ups of the conductor and the orchestra will complete the rock-music atmosphere of this popular Spokane nightclub.

This non-smoking performance will include seating for all ticket holders of all ages. Refreshments will be available for purchase at this general admission concert. Tickets are $19.

Tickets are available in advance without service charge at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office, located at 1001 W. Sprague inside Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, or by calling 509-624-1200. Tickets are also available at all TicketsWest outlets or by calling 1-800-325-SEAT or at spokanesymphony.org.

Symphony on the Edge is underwritten by Avista.

CALENDAR LISTING:
April 18: Symphony on the Edge, 7:30 p.m. Big Easy Concert Hall, Associate Conductor Morihiko Nakahara conducting. Tickets are $19 and are available at the Spokane Symphony Ticket Office at (509) 624-1200 or 1001 W. Sprague. Tickets are also available, with service charges, through TicketsWest at 325-SEAT, 1-800-325-SEAT and at www.spokanesymphony.org.