The California E.A.R. Unit: Metal Machine Music April 21, 2010

Claire Trevor School of the Arts
Department of Music Gassmann Electronic Music Series presents
The California E.A.R. Unit: Metal Machine Music

by Lou Reed, arranged for chamber ensemble by Ulrich Krieger
Christopher Dobrian, producer

Apr. 21, 8:00 p.m.

Winifred Smith Hall, Admission is free.

Metal Machine Music is a one hour long feedback sonic mayhem by Lou Reed. Originally it was done with guitars, amps, pedals and studio tape manipulation, and the original LP said, "an electronic music composition". In the arrangement by Ulrich Krieger for the E.A.R. Unit, the piece reveals its orchestral scope. Metal Machine Music combines the complexity of orchestral new music with the flexibility of free jazz and the aggression and sound of rock. The piece is the forefather of industrial noise music.

The California E.A.R. Unit was founded in 1981. In its twenty-eight year history the ensemble has presented concerts of electroacoustic and live interactive computer music, music theater, dance, and local and world premieres of over 500 chamber works. The ensemble has earned critical acclaim, garnering awards for its contributions to the field of contemporary American music such as the L.A. Weekly's Best Classical Ensemble 1999 and 2003, as well receiving the prestigious Letter of Distinction from the American Music Center in 1999. The Unit has performed in many main venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. They have toured throughout the world to Brussels, Aspen, Kiev, Paris, Cologne, Tanglewood, New York, Boston, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Santa Fe, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, as well as to other domestic and international hot spots for new music. The ensemble has been featured in documentaries for the BBC and Japanese television, American and National Public Radio, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Danish National Radio, and WGBH's "Art of the States".

UCI Arts Box Office, (949) 824-2787
http://www.arts.uci.edu/events

Official Website: http://www.arts.uci.edu/events