Ensemble Signal

Steve Reich’s genius is showcased by Ensemble Signal, “one of the most vital groups of its time” (The New York Times). Clapping Music is early Reich, a revolutionary work that requires no instruments beyond the human body. Of recent vintage is Quartet, a piece co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall and exotically scored for two vibraphones and two pianos. Runner, which receives its New York premiere on this program, is for a large ensemble of winds, percussion, pianos, and strings. Tempos remain constant in the five-movement piece, with varying note durations and a slowed version of a bell pattern from Ghana.

Roomful of Teeth

Yodeling, rhythmic clicks, and throat singing with complex harmonies are just some of the techniques that Roomful of Teeth pull from its expansive vocal toolbox. Winners of the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music / Small Ensemble Performance, the ensemble is committed to exploring the expressive potential of the human voice by using vocal techniques from around the world. In addition to a work commissioned by Carnegie Hall, they perform Partita, the composition by composer and ensemble member Caroline Shaw for which she received the Pulitzer Prize.

American Composers Orchestra

Now in its 40th season, the American Composers Orchestra continues to perform concerts that “are always fascinating … frequently exhilarating forays into recent music—or music that was written decades ago but is still fresh” (Newsday). At the vanguard of new music, this outstanding ensemble presents thrilling works by visionary composers.