Grammy-winning sextet eighth blackbird will perform Oct. 12 at the Touhill Center at UMSL.
Chicago-based sextet eighth blackbird will migrate south for a performance of classical fusion that incorporates art, philosophy and theater at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The ensemble’s concert, “shifted in flight,” will begin at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.
Praised for its innovative time signatures and unconventional tuning, eight blackbird has earned three Grammy Awards.
For the “shifted in flight” program, the ensemble will begin with American composer Derek Bermel’s “Tied Shifts.” It will be followed by Pulitzer-winning composer Aaron Kernis’ major new work “Pieces of Winter Sky,” works by Nico Muhly that pay colorful tribute to his mentor Philip Glass and new arrangements of Ligeti’s solo piano “Études.” The concert will conclude with eighth blackbird’s Grammy Award-winning rendition of Steve Mackey’s “Lonely Motel,” to which he has created an instrumental suite from the work, and a groove-based piece by percussionist composer Andy Akiho.
Tim Munro on flute, Michael J. Maccaferri on clarinet, Yvonne Lam on violin & viola, Nicholas Photinos on cello, Matthew Duvall on percussion and Lisa Kaplan on piano constitute eighth blackbird.
The eighth blackbird concert is an E3! performance, Explore – Experience – Engage. E3 performance discussions will begin 50 minutes prior to the concert (7:10 p.m.), and post-show receptions are free to ticket holders.
Tickets for “eighth blackbird: shifted in flight” are $25. Call 314-516-4949 or visit touhill.org to purchase tickets.
