Ensemble Connect Brings Contemporary and Classical Sounds to the Pocantico Stage

On June 6, 2018, classical musicians from Ensemble Connect performed on the al fresco stage at The Pocantico Center for the first time.

The program began with “Buffalo Jam,” a work by contemporary composer Pauline Oliveros, in which the musicians positioned themselves among the audience, distributing and directing the sounds of their instruments throughout the outdoor space. It continued with a mix of old and new compositions, including Charles Wuorinen’s “Spinoff,” Osvaldo Golijov’s “Tenebrae,” and Jacques Ibert’s “Deux mouvements,” as well as excerpts from sacred music by Giovanni Gabrieli and Claudio Monteverdi.

But the centerpiece of the hourlong program on the Kykuit lawn was the world premiere of “Cobalt Canvas,” a new work by composer Andy Akiho. During their residence at The Pocantico Center in September 2017, the Ensemble collaborated with Akiho on writing and rehearsing the piece, which was commissioned by Carnegie Hall. In his introduction of the premiere, Akiho described the piece as a reflection of the beauty and openness of the landscape that provided a backdrop to the Ensemble's residency.

More photos from the musicians’ warm-up and performance, as well as the post-program reception on Kykuit's terrace, can be found on our Facebook page. All photos are by Frederick Charles.

Information on upcoming performances is at www.rbf.org/events.

More from Summer 2018 at The Pocantico Center:

June 6: Ensemble Connect
June 11: American Ballet Theatre Studio Company
July 10: Guitarist Lage Lund and The Jazz Gallery
August 15: Jessica Lang Dance

About Ensemble Connect

Celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2016–2017 season, Ensemble Connect is a two-year fellowship for the finest young professional classical musicians in the United States that prepares them for careers combining musical excellence with teaching, community engagement, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. It offers top-quality performance opportunities, intensive professional development, and the opportunity to partner throughout the fellowship with a New York City public school.

Learn more at https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Ensemble-Connect