The Philip Glass Festival: eighth blackbird: A Philip Glass Celebration September 19, 2012

Philip Glass: Arabesque in memoriam; Einstein on the Beach (excerpt); Mad Rush Derek Bermel: Tied Shifts; Tom Johnson: Counting Duets; Nico Muhly: Doublespeak; John Cage: Living Room Music; Mayke Nas: Anyone can do it; Andy Akiho: erase

Through his operas, symphonies, film music and collaborations with poets, artists and popular musicians, Glass has had an extraordinary impact on our musical life. Grammy-winning ensemble eighth blackbird presents music composed and influenced by this giant of American music, including Doublespeak, a birthday present for Glass written for eighth blackbird by indie musician Nico Muhly. Derek Bermel’s Tied Shifts is a wild Balkan romp, Tom Johnson’s Counting Duets is both funny and thinky, and Mayke Nas’s Anyone can do it involves some very entertaining audience participation.

Join the Modlin Center for Modlin Arts After Words, a post-show question-and-answer session with members of eighth blackbird.

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Composer Philip Glass changed American music forever. As a forefather of minimalism, Glass invented a new way to create music, and with it, brought new audiences to concert halls. Through his operas, his symphonies, his compositions for his own ensemble, and his wide-ranging collaborations with artists ranging from Twyla Tharp to Allen Ginsberg, Woody Allen to David Bowie, Philip Glass has had an extraordinary and unprecedented impact upon the musical and intellectual landscapes of his time.

For Philip Glass’ 75th birthday celebration year, the Modlin Center for the Arts’ Philip Glass Festival will explore the profound legacy of this prolific artist. Through lectures, demonstrations, films, performances, and the ModlinArts Artist Voices Series, this festival will examine the many facets and the enduring genius of Glass’ work.

Official Website: http://modlin.richmond.edu/events/modlinarts-presents/philip-glass-festival.html