Sō Percussion's unique style of ensemble infuses all things struck and battered. Sure, composers the likes of Edgard Varèse, John Cage and Steve Reich have passed down their percussive theories, but this quartet has formulated a repertoire--if not an entire ideology--that's pretty much all their own.
And while I'm not usually one to brown nose it, I must admit that I'm excited about the following contest. The prize is so distinct and interactive that it warrants coverage here.
As DOTDOTDOTMUSIC (DDDM) alerted us, the American Composers Forum National Composition Contest has announced its three finalists:
Michael Laurello, an American composer and pianist, who's written for ensembles such as the Yale Baroque Ensemble and Sound Icon.
Todd Lerew, a Los Angeles-based composer who is experimenting with his own musical inventions.
Kristina Warren, an American composer and vocalist who holds a B.A. from Duke, and is currently working on a Ph.D in composition and technology from the University of Virginia.
In addition to having their expenses of attending DDDM's workshop all paid for, Laurello, Lerew and Warren will all compose an 8 to 10-minute long piece to be premiered by Sō this summer.
Even better? The final piece chosen will receieve an additional $2,000 prize as well as have their piece performed by Sō Percussion time and time again.
"The Forum is thrilled with the opportunity to connect new voices with extraordinary ensembles like Sō Percussion," said John Nuechterlein, ACF president and CEO.
"Similar to our previous collaborations with eighth blackbird and JACK Quartet, the discovery process is exhilarating for the performers and immensely rewarding for the selected composers. The Sō Percussion Summer Institute showcase is also an exciting new twist that offers an exceptional opportunity for the composers to network with a large community of performers," he continued.
All three finalists will travel to Princeton, N.J. this July to hear his or her piece performed by Sō. As per usual, it should make for an unorthodox, yet undeniably rewarding addition to their steadily amassing rep.
To wit, here's Sō Percussion performing alongside Eli Keszler in one of my recent favorites.
