eighth blackbird: "SPAM" September 16, 2009

In keeping with its diverse and innovative programming, UR ensemble-in-residence and Grammy Award-winner eighth blackbird presents a concert that explores the ways rock music has influenced classical composition in the 21st century. Twelve Hands by Dutch composer Mayke Nas is a quirky ode to The Beatles' White Album, performed by six players who strum, pluck and tap inside the piano. Englishman Mark-Anthony Turnage was inspired by Led Zeppelin in his ironically titled Grazioso!, an aggressive, riff-based piece, while New York-based Marc Mellits' Spam is a fun, funky homage to the cheap, pre-cooked meat product. In contrast, Danish composer Bent Sørensen's Deserted Churchyard is a sparse, fragile evocation of a desolate, mysterious landscape.

Official Website: http://modlin.richmond.edu/contentmgr/showdetails.php/id/2217/cid/