The purpose of the Contemporary Music Ensemble is to explore the wide range of musical expression and composers that are (for one reason or another) still considered “new,” from the early modernists of the 20th Century to the present day. The upcoming concert features music of one of the first modernist composers, Arnold Schoenberg, and two living composers who have often been labeled as “minimalists,” namely Steve Reich and Louis Andriessen.

The first work on the program, Ode to Napoleon Bonaparte, by Schoenberg, will feature Jared Hiscock, a graduate student in vocal performance. This piece displays a particular vocal technique, called sprechstimme, that lies somewhere between speaking and singing.

The second work, Electric Counterpoint, by Steve Reich, will feature senior guitar performance major, Stephan Laboy. This piece can either be performed live by 10 guitars and 2 bass guitars, or with one soloist and pre-recorded tracks. This performance will use the latter version.

The final piece on the program, Workers Union, by Louis Andriessen, is for any “loud sounding group of instruments.” Be assured that this exciting work will create a lot of sound!