Virago Presents: Listening for Bells EP Release & Imperfect Intervals

306 North Division Street,Ann Arbor MI 48104

08 January, 2022

Description

Listening for Bells by Harriet Steinke: World Premiere & EP Release by Virago. Also featuring Imperfect Intervals by Michael Malis Listening for Bells is a work written by Harriet Steinke for Virago. The work incorporates elements of improvisation into each of its four parts, as well as in the overall structure of the work. In full form, the four parts are performed sequentially without pause, although the work is designed for the parts to be rearranged or even performed individually. The work explores different minimalist structures and idioms through improvisation. In this way, the creative process involved close collaboration with the ensemble during the development of each part. Within each part, each of the six performers has a customizable combination of set harmonies, voicings, and rhythms that serve as building blocks that allow the ensemble to control the timing, pacing, and climaxes of the musical processes. In this way, the length of each part is determined by the ensemble, with a chiming sound written into each part to signal the ensemble to move to the next section. This chiming sound, or “bells,” requires a one-ness of the ensemble throughout the work as they are “Listening for Bells.” This performance will be the world premiere of Listening for Bells. Listening for Bells features Michael Malis (piano) and Dominic Bierenga (bass clarinet). Imperfect Intervals is a solo piano work by Michael Malis. Tickets to the 1/9 Detroit show can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/221212000047