On Monday (3/31) at WQXR’s blog, Brian Wise writes that the Chicago-based Spektral Quartet “has commissioned 47 composers to write ringtones, alarms and text message alerts for cellphones. Each of the ‘Mobile Miniatures,’ as they’re called, lasts no more than 40 seconds…. The Spektral, which was founded in 2010, saw the project first as a chance to promote some hometown composers. The group approached several with local ties (Mason Bates, Augusta Read Thomas, Shulamit Ran) and then expanded the roster to include a handful of New Yorkers (David Lang, Nico Muhly, Ted Hearne), moonlighting indie-rockers (Greg Saunier of Deerhoof, Olga Bell of Dirty Projectors), and various others. ‘This came out of the twin desires of commissioning new pieces and working with a community of composers,’ Spektral cellist Russell Rolen said.… ‘It’s an opportunity for people, in a very bite-sized way, to get into this music and these composers.’ ” A separate article in Sunday’s (3/30) Chicago Tribune covers apps released by or in development at several Chicago arts organizations, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art Institute of Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium.
Posted April 1, 2014
