Cutting-edge classics
Grammy-winning Southwest Chamber Music opens season at the Armory
By John Sollenberger 10/21/2010
Grammy Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music, known as “the voice of new classical music,” opens its 2010-11 season with a benefit performance Sunday night at Pasadena’s Armory Center for the Arts, featuring music of some of the composers commissioned to produce works for next year’s 25th anniversary season.
The lineup represents a virtual who’s who of the avant-garde, including Wadada Leo Smith, Charles Wuorinen, Lei Liang, Gabriela Ortiz, Gabriela Lena Frank and Hyo-shin Na.
Besides performing music of old masters, Southwest Chamber Music is known for producing music on the cutting edge. Says Artistic Director Jeff von der Schmidt, “Whether we are performing early music of Claudio Monteverdi with the music of Luigi Nono, the late string quintets of Mozart, Carlos Chávez with the Tambuco Percussion Ensemble, or the latest new chamber work of Elliott Carter, I believe that it is essential to maintain the highest standards of formal art music with a deep concern for accessibility for the novice listener.”
Prior to the concert, guests can enjoy a variety of treats from some of Pasadena’s finest restaurants. — John Sollenberger
The concert starts at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Tickets are $100. Proceeds benefit Southwest’s school programs. Call (800) 726-7147 or visit swmusic.org.
DIGG | del.icio.us | REDDIT