On May 7, 2011, I performed a cycle of songs by Alban Berg at the University of Chicago’s New Music Ensemble concert.  The exceptionally talented Nathan Harris accompanied me on piano.  We prepared the pieces with lessons and coaching sessions with Jo Rodenburg, Patrice Michaels, Dana Brown and the director of the New Music Ensemble, Barbara Schubert.  The performance was recorded, and I’ve posted recordings below.

We had about 2 weeks to put the pieces together.  I had previously performed the first piece in the cycle with another great pianist at the University of Chicago named Paul Wang.  Nathan and I had about 5 rehearsals, a masterclass with Patrice and Dana, a lesson with Jo, a coaching session with Patrice and a coaching with Barbara all within about 18 days.  During that same time, I was busy rehearsing music for a Medieval liturgical play, performing as soloist for a performance of Bach’s St. John Passion at Rockefeller Chapel and a performance of Alice Parker’s “Melodious Accord”, writing arrangements for The Dead Superheroes Orchestra, practicing with the Walking Shadows and teaching piano lessons, as well as singing with the Rockefeller Chapel Choir for regular rehearsals and services.  It was one of those magical times where you have no idea what day it is and your ears are so fatigued from singing 13th century, 20th century, 17th century and 19th century music that everything might as well be atonal.  It was also one of those times where each rehearsal, performance and lesson was revelatory, providing new knowledge about music making and singing. Read more