February 23-26, 2012
Co-curated by Philip Glass, the Armory’s second Tune-In Music Festival celebrates the iconic composer’s extraordinary impact upon the musical and intellectual life of his times on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The series of five concerts features his own music, as well as music, poetry, and art created and performed by his muses, collaborators, and artists he has influenced, and uses the Armory’s Wade Thompson Drill Hall, with its cathedral-like acoustics and informal character, to set the scene for an immersive and intimate concert environment. The programs are:
Kaddish
Thursday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m.
As a friend and frequent collaborator with the great Allen Ginsberg, Philip Glass’s affinity and reverence for the late poet will be honored with a world premiere commissioned by Park Avenue Armory and featuring a score by Grammy Award Winning jazz guitarist Bill Frisell, original visual designs by “Gonzo” artist Ralph Steadman, and the conceptual energy of legendary music producer Hal Willner, who will also be a narrator along with actress Chloe Webb. Conducted by Frisell, an eight-piece ensemble will accompany a reading of Ginsberg’s Kaddish. One of the greatest works to emerge from the Beat Generation, the poem is a sprawling, propulsive lament to Ginsberg’s mother and a reflection on his own estrangement from Judaism.
Philip Glass and Patti Smith: The Poet Speaks
Friday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m.
Longtime collaborator Patti Smith and Philip Glass present “The Poet Speaks” in a rare New York appearance. The two musical icons will perform original work individually and together, with music and readings celebrating their favorite poets including Ginsberg and William Blake. The evening culminates in a reading of Ginsberg’s epic Wichita Vortex Sutra¸ set to music by Glass and recited by Smith.
Music in Twelve Parts
Saturday, February 25, at 5:00 p.m.
The Philip Glass Ensemble will offer a rare marathon performance of the complete Music in Twelve Parts, Glass’s epic minimalist composition which was considered his “breakthrough” work. Over the course of the evening, the audience will be enveloped in this work described by music critic Tim Page as “both a massive theoretical exercise and a deeply engrossing work of art.”
Afternoon Concert
Sunday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m.
Artists Nico Muhly, Tania León, Vijay Iyer with his trio Tirtha, and Zack Glass, son of Philip Glass, who were selected by Glass for this program based on their musical ingenuity, their shared interests and musical tastes, and their dynamic influence on one another. Special guests include violist Nadia Sirota (with Muhly), and singer/songwriter Ruben Gonzalez and Canadian fiddler Ashley MacIsaac (with Glass).
Artist Talk: Composers in Conversation
Sunday, February 26, at 5:00 p.m.
Consulting Artistic Director Kristy Edmunds and Philip Glass moderate a conversation about the process, inspirations, and thoughts around the craft and artistry of composition. They will be joined on stage by Nico Muhly, Tania Leon, Vijay Iyer, and Zack Glass.
Another Look at Harmony – Part IV
Sunday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m.
The Festival concludes with the Glass’s Another Look at Harmony – Part IV, a post-minimalist choral work Glass started in 1975 for organ and 100 voices (which has been expanded for the Armory’s presentation to 160 voices). The program features the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, The Collegiate Chorale, and organist Michael Riesman, music director and keyboardist of The Philip Glass Ensemble, all under the direction of conductor James Bagwell.
