March 25 and 26, the prestigious Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago -- founded in 1967 as one of the world's largest contemporary art venues -- presents Ghostlight, a new concert by Grammy-award winning ensemble eighth blackbird, who perform two pieces that were written for the ensemble: David T. Little's Ghostlight and Bryce Dessner's Murder Ballades.
The evening will also feature a very special guest performer in Will Oldham, who often records under the moniker Bonnie "Prince" Billy, for Rzewski's Coming Together, and the ensemble joins him on several of his songs.
Ghostlight, slated for MCA's Edlis Neeson Theater this March 25-26, is inspired in part from ancient ceremonies and was developed throughout the course of eighth blackbird's yearlong residency at the MCA.
Bryce Dessner's Murder Ballades explores acts of revenge and betrayal, recounted through simple, upbeat melodies. Its first iteration was commissioned in part by MCA Chicago and features on the ensemble's 2016 Grammy -- nominated Filament album. Dessner has now expanded the composition for this concert.
The evening also features a special guest performer, Bonnie "Prince" Billy joining the ensemble for Rzewski's Coming Together. This piece traces Sam Melville's descent from sanity into madness, inspired by a letter written by Melville -- convicted for bombing eight New York City buildings in 1969 -- months before the Attica prison riot that marked his death.
eighth blackbird will also join Bonnie "Prince" Billy in several of his songs that he selected for the program.
Tickets to either the March 25 or 26, performance of eighth blackbird's Ghostlight with Bonnie "Prince" Billy they are available through the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's official website or by phone at (312) 280-2660.
