BOSTON MODERN ORCHESTRA PROJECT (BMOP)

April 1, 2008

Since its founding in 1996, BMOP has commissioned new works and re-discovered "classics" of the 20th century, infusing them with the emotion, humor, and urgency that have been hallmarks of the modern era and its music. Founded in 1996 by conductor and new music specialist Gil Rose, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project strives to reunite composers and audiences in a shared concert experience. In just 10 years, BMOP has received eight ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming of Orchestral Music. BMOP's 11th season includes premieres of new works by Michael Colgrass, David Rakowski, Anthony Davis, Vache Sharafyan and Lisa Bielawa, BMOP's composer-in-residence. This collaboration with MATA represents a rare opportunity for BMOP to bring its unique programming and superb playing to New York audiences.

THE KNIGHTS

April 2, 2008

The Knights are a fellowship of young musicians of diverse and accomplished backgrounds who come together for the shared joy of musical exploration. The Knights have brought audiences varied and engaging programs consisting of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic oddities and favorites, world premieres, collaborations with jazz artists, singer-songwriters and arrangements of folk music from different world traditions in their quest to bring new light to old works and new works to light. The group is a flexible chamber orchestra, appearing often as a conductorless string orchestra, but expands accordion-like to include some of New York's most sought-after winds and percussion.
Members of the group are graduates of Juilliard, Curtis, Manhattan, Mannes and Eastman, and include members of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble. They have performed as soloists with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic, to name a few, and appeared at the world's most prestigious music festivals, including Marlboro, Tanglewood, Verbier, Stillwater, Lucerne, Salzburg and Moritzburg.

ŒYou had the feeling of being with musicians, not just observing themŠ¹
The New York Times

'truly an exhilarating experience'
The New York Sun

NEWSPEAK

April 4, 2008

Originally founded in 2001 by composer/performer David T. Little, Newspeak has existed in a number of forms. From the free improvisation and group composition of the 2001-2002 Ann Arbor-based line-up to the more traditional chamber music version of the 2003 Aspen ensemble, Newspeak has always actively sought a fusion of art music and social engagement that is significant, meaningful and communicative. The current New York-based ensemble, founded in 2004, derives its sound from the energy and performance practice of rock music, contemporary improvisation and contemporary notated music, and features some of the finest young musicians from around the city.

The 2007-2008 season holds many exciting things for Newspeak, including a performances on the Chamber Music NOW! series, the Wordless Music series, shows with The Motion Sick and The Fiery Furnaces, a residency at Princeton University, and a special birthday concert for Frederic Rzewski. Stay tuned! Newspeak will make their MATA debut at this year's festival, playing works by Sean Griffin and other emerging composers.

EITHER/OR

April 4, 2008

Since 2004, Either/Or has been hailed for its dynamic performances and creative programming of new and recent chamber music in New York City. _With a repertoire that focuses on works for 1 to 4 players, and a large pool of collaborating musicians on which to draw, Either/Or concerts present new works for unconventional chamber ensembles rarely heard elsewhere. _Drawing equally on the latest works of emerging composers and classics of the historical avant-garde, Either/Or is fast developing a reputation as an intriguing new voice on the New York concert calendar. Either/Or will make their MATA debut on the 2008 festival, performing works by Sean Griffin and other emerging composers.

"Either/Or, a new and first-rate new-music ensemble"
- Bernard Holland, The New York Times

DIAPASON GALLERY

ongoing installation throughout the week of the festival
March 31-April 4, 2008

Since April, 2001, Diapason, gallery for sound and intermedia has presented a varied program featuring performances and installations. Founded by Michael J. Schumacher and Liz Gerring, it continues the tradition of Studio Five Beekman, offering audiences New York's only venue devoted to sound art. At this year's MATA Festival, Diapason partners with MATA to bring its unique sound art repertoire to the Brooklyn Lyceum. An installation in the lobby of the Lyceum will run the length of the festival and will present a unique array of sound art pieces by emerging and established composers, including a piece commissioned specifically for the festival.