Roundtable: Confronting the Divide (part 2)

During the fourth roundtable discussion (again, moderated by the ever cunning and witty Melanie), the fellows critically evaluated several New York-based venues and ensembles that engage with the “music of our time” (e.g. Le Poisson Rogue, NY Phil CONTACT!, and ICE). 

We identified a handful of elements that contribute to successful (and less-than-successful) performances of newly composed music, or performances of unfamiliar music for new audiences. The fellows, in particular, contemplated the possibilities of interdisciplinary collaboration, whether it be the added element of dance, art, lighting, or food and drink. Some expressed hesitations about thoughtless multisensory productions, for instance, the seemingly gratuitous pairing of a mediocre beer with the stellar theatrics of Eighth Blackbird at LPR. Mike (horn), however, described his inventive work with Studio Forza and made a convincing case for the intermingling of good sounds and good brew. 

We leave for Gargano tomorrow morning for our second official concert, to be held in a museum dedicated to the history of Italian agriculture! 

-Regina