“Formed last year at the University of Chicago, the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition (CCCC) on Tuesday unveiled an inaugural lineup of remarkable breadth, depth and ambition,” writes Howard Reich in Wednesday’s (8/15) Chicago Tribune. “Among the highlights: A new group—the 13-member Grossman Ensemble…. A season of 40 world premieres…. New works played by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Chicago’s versatile Spektral Quartet…. Experimental concerts embracing classical, jazz and electronic idioms…. At least two new compositions from the center’s 2018-19 Composition Fellow, Tonia Ko…. Composer, U. of C. professor and CCCC director Augusta Read Thomas hastens to note that this … grows out of a long tradition of contemporary music at the school…. CCCC stands as the latest step in this long evolution, but also the most far-reaching one, in that it encompasses a resident and visiting ensembles, commissions, collaborations, scholarship and audience outreach.… The Grossman Ensemble will offer 12 world premieres… In a most unusual feature, the musicians will conduct eight rehearsals before each performance, allowing composers time to revise their works before the premieres.” Featured composers and performers in 2018-19 include Tyshawn Sorey, Kate Soper, the ~Nois saxophone quartet, and the Yarn/Wire quartet.
Posted August 16, 2018
