Musica Nova orchestrates NYC premiere

Susannah Kelly '02, a current member of Musica Nova.

astman's Musica Nova will perform an experimental piece by New York City composer John Zorn in the Great Hall at Cooper Union on Saturday, March 9. The performance marks the American premiere of the work.

"It's as multifaceted as the composer himself," is how Bradley Lubman, music director of Musica Nova, describes Rituals, the 30-minute work by Zorn. Lubman calls the composition written for singer plus 10 instruments "an amazing adventure," with "virtuoso writing and original sound textures that make the piece absolutely refreshing."

Musica Nova will present a special preview performance for Rochester audiences at 8 p.m., Thursday, March 7, in Kilbourn Hall. This performance is free and open to the public.

Drawing on his experience in a variety of genres--including jazz, rock, hardcore punk, classical, klezmer, film, cartoon, popular and improvised music--Zorn has created an influential body of work that defies academic categories.

Founded in 1966, Musica Nova is the Eastman School's contemporary music ensemble composed of graduate and undergraduate students. Under the direction of Lubman, assistant professor of conducting and ensembles at Eastman since 1997, the ensemble has become known for its performance standards and diverse repertoire.

Tickets for the March 9 concert can be purchased by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 between 1-8 p.m. or by visiting www.ticketcentral.org.

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