Music For 18 Musicians: Staged Variations
About This Event
At the Park Avenue Armory, a staged variation of Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians brings together the Steve Reich Ensemble, Alarm Will Sound, conductor Alan Pierson and students and alumni from the Manhattan School of Music. The lineup emphasizes intergenerational collaboration and ensemble precision, pairing conservatory-trained players with contemporary ensembles to examine Reich's repetitive rhythmic structures in a theatrical setting.
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*.
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.
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.
Musicians from Manhattan School of Music
Musicians from Manhattan School of Music is a shifting group of jazz performers drawn from the school’s student and alumni community in New York City. Their work is shaped by conservatory training and by collaborations that place them alongside wide-ranging ensembles and figures such as Alan Pierson, Alarm Will Sound, and members of the Steve Reich Ensemble.
Steve Reich
Steve Reich stands as a towering figure in the world of jazz, celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to minimal music. His signature style, characterized by repetitive motifs and evolving rhythmic patterns, invites listeners into a mesmerizing auditory journey.