Louis Andriessen and Monica Germino at Cornish College of the Arts

Andriessen and Germino. Photo: France Patella and Marco Borggreve

 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 8:00 PM

Poncho Hall, Cornish College of the Arts - Seattle, WA

For tickets  

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the music of internationally renowned composer and 2010 Grawemeyer Award winner Louis Andriessen in this rare appearance by the famed Dutch composer.

The program features the Seattle premiere of six of Andriessen’s signature works, many showcasing the virtuoso violinist Monica Germino, plus Andriessen’s collaboration with British filmmaker Peter Greenaway M is for Man, Music, Mozart. 

From a background of jazz and avant-garde composition, Andriessen has evolved a style employing elemental harmonic, melodic and rhythmic materials, heard in totally distinctive instrumentation. His acknowledged admiration for Stravinsky is illustrated by a parallel vigour, clarity of expression, and acute ear for colour. The range of Andriessen's inspiration is wide, from the music of Charles Ives in Anachronie I, the art of Mondriaan in De Stijl, and medieval poetic visions in Hadewijch, to writings on shipbuilding and atomic theory in De Materie Part I. He has tackled complex creative issues, exploring the relation between music and politics in De Staat, the nature of time and velocity in De Tijd and De Snelheid, and questions of mortality in Trilogy of the Last Day.

American-born, Amsterdam-based violinist Monica Germino is on the cutting edge of new music. On a quest to redefine her instrument's boundaries, Monica has created innovative programmes with a constantly expanding, eclectic repertoire, commissioning and performing many works written for her by today's leading composers. Since 2003, when she acquired a custom made 'Violectra,' she has been exploring the unlimited possibilities for the electric violin. The Observer (UK) praised ‘the dazzling violinist Monica Germino’ for her performances of new works combining singing and playing, a skill she developed in recent years. Her years of work with Frank van der Weij have evolved into a rewarding partnership between violinist and sound engineer, revolutionizing the concept of a solo violin recital by transforming sound, executing unconventional feats and exploiting new technologies. Hailed by The Sunday Times (UK) as a “striking presence” whose “virtuosity was exhilarating,” she has premiered innovative works in such venues as Queen Elizabeth Hall, Barbican Centre, Alice Tully Hall, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, MASS MoCA and many more. She performs often as a soloist and chamber musician with renowned orchestras over the world. She has also recorded for Attacca Records, Basta Music and BMOP, as well as numerous discs with the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble for Deutsche Grammophon, Nonesuch and Philips.