Composers Concordance Presents a marathon concert entitled “Composers Play Composers’” on January 31, 2010. Doors open at 6 PM. The performance time is from 7-10 PM at the Club Drom in New York, 85 Avenue A (between 5th & 6th). Tickets are $10 with a mandatory 2-drink minimum. AAA Board member, Dr. William Schimmel will premiere a new composition.

The concert will consist of a 3 hour performance with twenty three composers playing their own works. The marathon will have three sets with two short ten minute breaks. Each set will start off with a trio composed by Franz Hackl, trumpet, Charles Coleman, baritone voice and Gene Pritsker on electric guitar.

Gene Pritsker, Composers Concordance co-director talks about the concept for this presentation:
“We are exploring the relationship composers have with their instruments and how they go about writing music in which they know that they will be the performer. Dan Cooper and I talked about assembling a large group of composers and requesting a four minute composition from each. We are programming them back-to-back in a marathon setting and constructing a performance that highlights the composer as a performer:short compositions as vehicles for direct expression, from the composer’s mind to body to the audience We selected 150 composers and e-mailed them all on a secretly chosen day and time. The first 23 to respond to this e-mail were programmed for the event. We created a random criterion as opposed to a competition for choosing the participating composers, though all 150 candidates were composers whom we, the Composers Concordance directors, knew and respected.”

Bill describes his composition which he will perform on January 31st: “The Wheel of Becoming” is a representation, through music, of Samsara, the continuity of Birth, Life and Death which can only be liberated through Enlightenment. Particularly Tibetan Buddhist, it can be interpreted and reinterpreted into any religion or philosophy, including Romany life, a life in constant movement, a life on wheels and a life constantly becoming. Much of the style changes in the music depict constant and abrupt change – although the basic theme is rather constant. Although it is Theme and Variation in form, the intent was to produce a feeling of constant and permanent transition, as well as forward movement to make the final ending on a perfect fifth both peaceful and mysterious.The opening and closing chanting sections are optional. If sung, one can breathe where one wishes or needs to.” The Sheet music is published by Studio Muse Press and can be ordered by contacting the composer at billschimmel@billschimmel.com

The Composers Concordance is a presenting organization for contemporary music, primarily American. The organization strives to give opportunities to composers to have their works heard in a concert hall or a club setting and aim to present music in innovative ways with a thematic emphasis. Composers are encouraged to attend and each gives a short introduction to his or her work before it is presented. This interaction with the audience is continued at post-concert receptions where audience and community outreach are continued.

The mission is to give exposure to composers who otherwise would remain unheard, and we have a 25 year history of featuring women and minority composers as part of our natural mix. Performances are arranged from a core group but may also feature performers who are recommended by composers and who are interested in championing their work. The overriding vision is to see contemporary music, composers and new works as a rightful and respected part of society.

For further information on the concert: Joseph Pehrson: info@composersconcordance.org