Eliza Bagg – Singer
Lee Dionne – Piano
New Morse Code
Hannah Collins – Cello
Michael Compitello – Percussion
andPlay
Maya Bennardo – Violin
Hannah Levinson – Viola
Soprano Eliza Bagg premieres a substantial new song cycle from composer Alex Weiser. Bagg will also play violin and will be joined by pianist Lee Dionne (of Ensemble Connect), New Morse Code (Hannah Collins and Michael Compitello), and andPlay (Maya Bennardo and Hannah Levinson). Weiser’s songs feature poems meditating on life, love, and death, in both English and Yiddish, by poets Anna Margolin, Abraham Sutzkever, Mark Strand, Rachel Korn and Edward Hirsch. The concert will open with a new arrangement of Weiser’s 2016 song cycle “Three Epitaphs.” Originally performed by Kate Maroney and Cantata Profana, “Three Epitaphs” features texts on love and the transience of life by Williams Carlos Williams, Seikilos, and Emily Dickinson.
Broad gestures, rich textures, and narrative sweep are hallmarks of the “compelling” (New York Times), “shapely, melody-rich” (Wall Street Journal) music of composer Alex Weiser. Born and raised in New York City, Weiser creates cosmopolitan music combining a deeply felt historical perspective with a vibrant forward-looking creativity. An energetic advocate for contemporary classical music and for the work of his peers, Weiser co-founded and directs Kettle Corn New Music. Weiser is Public Programs Manager at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, where he curates and produces programs that combine a fascination with and curiosity for historical context.
Alex Weiser: And All The Days Were Purple is made possible, in part, by the Jerome Foundation.
The Jerome Foundation, a long-time supporter of new works, was a mainstay in Roulette’s early development. Its steadfast support for more than 30 years enables us to continue to present exciting, ambitious compositions by promising emerging artists. Each year, the Jerome Foundation supports five artist residencies and four commissions at Roulette.
