Enjoy the Ensemble Eighth Blackbird As BYU’s Barlow Endowment for Music Composition Celebrates 40 Years
Eighth Blackbird is a dynamic group that is redefining contemporary classical music. This February they are bringing their unique sound to the BYU stage. Their small ensemble uses flute, clarinet, violin, cello, percussion and piano to create innovative and exciting music. Run by founding members Lisa Kaplan (Executive Director, Pianist) and Matthew Duvall (Artistic Director, Percussionist), Eighth Blackbird has won numerous awards and has widely become known as “one of the smartest, most dynamic ensembles on the planet.”
“I’m delighted for this ensemble to be part of the 40th anniversary celebration of BYU’s Barlow Endowment for Music Composition,” said Lyndsay Keith, BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series producer. “Eighth Blackbird has won four Grammy Awards and is on the cutting edge of modern classical music. If the term ‘modern’ or ‘new music’ scares you, never fear! This incredible ensemble produces music that is accessible, relatable and adventurous.”
Eighth Blackbird’s performance is the crowning event of the Barlow Endowment’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The Barlow Endowment was established at BYU in 1983 by Milton A. and Gloria Barlow and it is dedicated to promoting excellence in music composition. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the program in the 2023-24 season, BYU has invited Eighth Blackbird and several other artists to perform. Interested in the other concerts happening for the 40th anniversary? Read on for more information.
Tickets and Show Details | Eighth Blackbird
Date & Time: Friday, February 9 | 7:30pm
Location: Music Building Concert Hall
Price: $10-38
Tickets available online through arts.byu.edu
Lara Downes, BYU Faculty, Group for New Music and Gamelan Bintang Wahyu
This concert will feature the World Premiere of a new song cycle by Christopher Trapani, recipient of the 2020 Barlow Prize for Music Composition, performed by BYU School of Music director Diane Reich and faculty pianist Scott Holden. The concert will also feature works by Kevin Anthony, Christian Asplund, Daniel Bradshaw, Stephen Jones (all BYU composition faculty) and David Sanford. Performing in the concert will be Christina Castellanos (BYU flute faculty), Alex Woods (BYU violin faculty), guest cellist Louis Robillard, featured guest pianist Lara Downes, BYU Singers, Synthesis and Gamelan Bintang Wahyu.
This concert will take place February 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Building Concert Hall. This is a free event.
Barlow 40th Celebration: Mivos Quartet
Mivos Quartet presents Barlow-commissioned works by guest composer Benjamin Sabey and faculty composer Neil Thornock, as well as other works from their repertoire.
This concert will take place February 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Building Concert Hall. This is a free event.