Pianists Ryan MacEvoy McCullough and Andrew Zhou comprise
HereNowHear, an ensemble inspired by compositional experimentation and a digitally autonomous (re)build-it-yourself spirit.
The program will consist of Stockhausen's epic MANTRA, along with John Liberatore's
Sedgeflowers. Stockhausen's MANTRA is a monumental work of mid-century modernism, and one of the first, most significant pieces for piano and live electronics. Live ring modulation halos the sound of the two pianos, evoking an otherworldly soundscape that is at times luminous, shocking, and beautifully strange.
I wrote
Sedgeflowers as a companion piece for the ensemble, at times reflecting on Stockhausen's work, but largely casting it in relief.
Sedgeflowers for two amplified pianos begins with a small, single-note kernel and blossoms into a raucous showpiece that demonstrates the astounding virtuosity of the work's dedicatees.
Sedgeflowers was commissioned by the Fromm Foundation of Harvard University.
The concert takes place at Syracuse University's Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College.