Music group offers political flavor at Duke

Alarm Will Sound the critically acclaimed contemporary classical music ensemble" will debut its politically charged piece ""1969"" at Duke University tonight.

The adventurous ensemble is composed of 20 classically trained musicians in their 20s and 30s. Its members met while studying at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester"" N.Y.

Bassoonist Michael Harley said he agrees with the criticism that the group's style is daring.

""We've very consciously tried to break out of the stereotypical mold of the classical musician"" he said.

Scott Lindroth, professor of music and vice provost for the arts at Duke University, said he thinks audiences might be surprised by the music of Alarm Will Sound. He said the ensemble is changing the face of contemporary classical music.

There's an accessibility to it that's very exciting"" Lindroth said.

Aaron Greenwald, director of Duke Performances, said one way the group is distinct is in its use of mixed media and theatrics. Some of the ensemble's strength comes from its members' ability to compose and arrange music, he said.

Tonight's piece, 1969"" was the brainchild of the group's artistic director, Alan Pierson, who said he was interested in focusing on music from one year.

What drew me to '69 was the ‘we can change the world' spirit"" he said.

Pierson recognized the parallels between then and now, including an unpopular war. He said the '60s were also marked by the merging of classical and popular music.

It was an earthshaking year in many respects"" Harley said.

In 1969, German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen was scheduled to meet the Beatles in Manhattan. A blizzard prevented the meeting, but the prospect of it stayed with Pierson and strongly influenced the new composition.

The performance begins with two actors as Stockhausen and John Lennon. It becomes apparent early in the performance how different but similar these two influential musicians were.

The show also focuses on major political figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, combined with sound clips of their famous speeches.

Alarm Will Sound will be at Duke for a weeklong residency. The group has been providing feedback to composition students in Duke's Ph.D. program for the past week.

Lindroth described the residency as mutually beneficial to both Duke and the ensemble.

Students receive valuable feedback from a renowned ensemble while the group members, who live in different parts of the country, get the opportunity to use Duke's performance space while working on new material.

Greenwald said he is excited about how the audience will react to Friday's performance. Duke Performances traditionally host about 65 percent community members and 35 percent students, he said.

Duke is offering UNC students tickets for $10 each with a limit of two at this price. Tickets would usually cost $28.

These performances are a great opportunity for community members and students to rub shoulders, Greenwald said. He hopes this interaction leads to rich conversation.""



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.