Fargo, ND – July 23, 2014 – The New York Kammermusiker, a New York-based group that performs double-reed classical music, is returning to North Dakota for three September performances. The first, will be in Fargo, September 2, the second will be in Wahpeton, and the third program will be in Ellendale.
This is the eighth consecutive year that the distinguished group has brought their musical ensemble to their director’s home state, and it’s tenth overall visit.
The New York Kammermusiker is a unique chamber ensemble that travels the world presenting a wide-range of double-reed music from the Renaissance through Contemporary periods. This group is known for their experimental and improvisatory performances — often performing music written for their own unique sound — and for the excellence of their performances, regardless of what particular music is on the program. They are consistently good.
Formed in 1969 by ND native, Ilonna Pederson, this non-profit organization seeks to re- introduce the instruments and the music of the double-reed band to modern audiences. The group prepares modern scores from long-neglected musical manuscripts they seek out in their travels so that they can bring the music of the shawm bands to modern listeners. The sound is full and resonant, as if a much larger group were playing. Many of the pieces are introduced and explained in a light and interesting manner; humor and good fun are always evident during their concerts.
The New York Kammermusiker draws from some of the world’s finest musicians for their performances. Members have included musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Munich Bach Orchestra, the Munich Philharmonic, and the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra. The music has rhythmic and harmonic unity achieved through the expert musicianship of the players, which distinguishes this group, elevates the music, and moves audiences who experience their performances. For music lovers who wish to experience something new and different, done well and with great skill, they could hardly do better than to spend an evening with The New York Kammermusiker.
The program for this eighth annual tour will include music by J.S. Bach, Henry Purcell, music from the Renaissance by Giovanni Battista Grillo, Luzassco Luzaschi, Heinrich Isaac and others, and a special celebration of North Dakota’s 125th year of statehood, featuring music dedicated to Teddy Roosevelt.
The program will also feature works by Brazilian composer Harold Emert based on Teddy Roosevelt and on wind energy, with narration by actor Bjorn Pederson, whose recent appearances include the Metropolitan Opera, Shakespeare OP, the Hudson Shakespeare Company, the 13th Street Repertory Theatre (NY), and the Midtown International Theatre Festival (NY)
PERFORMANCES
Fargo
September 2, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
ecce gallery, 216 Broadway
For information and tickets, call (212) 749-2207
Wahpeton
September 3, 2014, 7:00 pm
NDSCS Stern Cultural Center, 800 N. 6th Street.
Admission is free for all. For information, call (701) 642-2811.
Ellendale
September 4, 2014, 7:30 pm
Trinity Bible College Chapel
For information and tickets, call (701) 349-2490.
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Media Contact: Ilonna Pederson Email: pedersonib@aol.com Phone: (212) 749-2207
