Music For 18 Musicians: Staged Variations
About This Event
Alan Pierson leads a mixed ensemble—Alarm Will Sound, members of the Steve Reich Ensemble, and students and alumni from the Manhattan School of Music—in Staged Variations of Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians at the Park Avenue Armory. The project pairs musicians from three generations to emphasize ensemble precision and collective listening in a staged reworking of Reich’s score.
About Music for 18 Musicians(chamber)
Steve Reich’s *Music for 18 Musicians* is a landmark of American minimalism, built from a chain of pulsing sections that cycle through a set of harmonies and gradually shift in color and emphasis. It first took shape in New York City in the mid-1970s, where Reich refined the score in rehearsal and premiered it in 1976, helping define a downtown-to-uptown musical moment. At Park Avenue Armory, Alan Pierson joins Alarm Will Sound, members of the Steve Reich Ensemble, and Manhattan School of Music musicians across three generations. One clear fact remains: the piece makes ensemble timekeeping the subject, not just the means.
About the Artists
Diverse group of musicians spanning three generations
A diverse group of musicians spanning three generations, this ensemble works in and around jazz with an ear for precision and shared pulse. In New York City they have appeared at Park Avenue Armory, including in performances connected to *Music For 18 Musicians: Staged Variations*.
Steve Reich Ensemble
The Steve Reich Ensemble stands at the forefront of New York City's vibrant jazz scene, captivating audiences with their innovative interpretations of minimalist music. Known for their dynamic performances at the iconic Park Avenue Armory, they bring to life the rhythmic intricacies of Steve Reich's compositions.
Alarm Will Sound
Alarm Will Sound is a dynamic ensemble redefining the boundaries of contemporary classical music. Known for their energetic and virtuosic performances, this 20-member chamber orchestra captivates audiences with their innovative interpretations and collaborations.
Alan Pierson
Alan Pierson is a dynamic force in the jazz world, captivating audiences with his innovative spirit and a commitment to musical excellence. Renowned for his leadership in performances that blend tradition and modernity, Pierson frequently graces the stage at New York City's iconic Park Avenue Armory.
Students from the Manhattan School of Music
The Manhattan School of Music is a prestigious conservatory in New York City that trains students in various musical disciplines, including performance and composition.
Diverse ensemble of musicians spanning three generations
This group is a diverse ensemble of musicians spanning three generations, bringing a jazz sensibility to large-scale performance projects in New York City. Their work has intersected with the Steve Reich Ensemble and Alarm Will Sound, and has included collaborations with conductor Alan Pierson and students from the Manhattan School of Music.