April 12 8:00 PM

Iannis Xenakis
  Nomos Alpha for solo cello (1969)
  Metal from Pleiades for percussion (1979)
Karlheinz Stockhausen
  Stimmung for six vocal soloists (1968) 80th Birthday

Timothy Loo, cello
Jacaranda Percussions: Kenneth McGrath, leader, Aaron Smith, Joseph Mitchell, John Magnussen, Jessica Cameron, Lynn Vartan
Concord Ensemble: Pablo Corá, leader, Corey Carleton, Scott Graff, Lincoln Hanks, Moira Smiley, Kristen Toedtman

This dynamic duo of the post-war avant garde can yield to the listener deep rewards for the challenges of their brave imaginations. The Greek architect, mathematician and composer, Xenakis finds and reveals transcendent structures. Although Nomos Alpha absolutely revolutionized cello playing, Timothy Loo brings warmth and humanity to its Olympian demands. Made of large aluminum slabs, the great "sixxen" was invented for Pleiades to create an otherworldly sound experience. The Los Angeles Times has hailed the Jacaranda Percussions’ range from "ferocity to lyricism."

Stimmung (in tune with) creates a mesmerizing pan-denominational ritual for six singers. Stockhausen composed the music while his wife gave birth to their first child. The text weaves together the names of Gods from across and around the planet, and wonders at Eros and creation. Says the Los Angeles Times: "The Concord Ensemble sang with maximum clarity, keen rhythmic and textual point, and a carefully planned blend preserving individual character and ensemble integrity." "Excellent. Impeccable." – The Washington Post.