The UConn Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of member Rex Sturdevant, presents Steve Reich's minimalist masterpiece Music for 18 Musicians this Tuesday, December 1st at 8pm in von der Mehden Recital Hall at the University of Connecticut (Storrs).
For the first time in its history, the percussion ensemble is collaborating with wind, strings, and piano players, as well as four singers, to perform the longest work it has ever presented in concert.
Composed in 1976 by Steve Reich, Music for 18 Musicians cycles through 11 chords over the course of nearly an hour. An intricate aural and visual cue system led by the vibraphone and principal clarinet guide the performers through eleven sections that develop material on each chord. Hailed by the New York Times as a “ceremony” and a “joyful and exhilarating” journey through time, Music for 18 changed the face of minimalism forever.
This unique experience is made possible by a UConn IDEA Grant through the Office of Undergraduate Research. To learn more about this program that funds student projects centered around creativity, innovation, original research, and service, please visit http://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/idea/.
Featuring
Jonathan Schmieding, Carly Burriesci, clarinet and bass clarinet
Peter Nowak, violin
Nathaniel Gworek, violoncello
Sarah Ryan, Samantha Lake, Alexis Olsen, Sophia Prasinos, voice
Rex Sturdevant, vibraphone
Robin Patrick, Steven McArdle, Shaun Cayabyab*, Justin Clapis, marimba
Tristan Pool, Ethan Smith**, xylophone
Deepinder Singh, maracas
Julien Monick, Matt Chiu, Noelle Veillette, Grant Morrison, Samuel Hausman, piano
*doubles piano
**doubles marimba
For more information, contact: Rex Sturdevant at rex.sturdevant@uconn.edu