New York New Music Ensemble to Visit UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The New York New Music Ensemble, one of the world's premier 20th-century chamber music groups, will visit the University at Buffalo in September to take part in several activities for students and the public, including presenting the first concert of the Department of Music's Slee/Visiting Artist Series for 2007-08.

The concert, which will include guest soprano Haleh Abghari, will take place at 8 p.m. Sept. 8 in Lippes Concert Hall in Slee Hall on the North (Amherst) Campus. The program will feature the world premiere of "Boxmunsdottir for Bass Clarinet and electronics" by UB faculty member David Felder. Felder will be on hand to hear the piece, which is a reworking of his famous "Boxman for trombone and electronics."

The program also includes the world premiere of "Come Round, Movements I, II and III," by Jacob Druckman, "Café Music" by Paul Schonfield and "Eight Songs for a Mad King" by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies.

There will be a pre-concert talk by the artists in the Slee lobby beginning at 7:15 p.m.

For those unfamiliar with contemporary music, the Department of Music will provide a "concert buddy" who will sit with the patron during the performance and answer questions. Call 645-2921 to schedule a concert buddy.

The New York New Music Ensemble musicians also will hold an open rehearsal from 2:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 7 in Lippes Concert Hall and conduct classes in contemporary performance techniques from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 7 in various rooms in Baird and Slee halls.

In addition, they will hold composer workshop sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 9 in Lippes Concert Hall.

All will be free of charge and open to the public.

For 29 years, the New York New Music Ensemble has commissioned, performed, recorded, taught and served as a strong advocate for contemporary classical music. The ensemble's repertoire includes music of the 20th and 21st centuries, "classics," emerging composers and music involving extended instrumental and electronic techniques, theatre, interactive and live electronics, and graphics.

Members include flutist Jayn Rosenfeld, clarinetist and UB faculty member Jean Kopperud, violinist Linda Quan, cellist Christopher Finckel, pianist Stephen Gosling, guest percussionist Tom Kolor and guest conductor James Baker.

Advance tickets for the New York New Music Ensemble's Slee/Visiting Artist Series performance -- purchased up to 3 business days prior to the concert -- are priced at $12 for general admission; $9 for UB faculty/staff/alumni, senior citizens and WNED members with card; and $5 for students. Tickets purchased at the door will be $20 for general admission; $15 for UB faculty/staff/alumni, senior citizens and WNED members with card; and $8 for students. Advance tickets may be obtained at the Slee Hall box office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Center for the Arts box office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and at all Ticketmaster outlets.