Thayer Hall
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Emerging Artist Thomas Mellan presents Collective Hysteria: a celebration on Pierre Boulez’s 100th birthday. Boulez is synonymous with music of era-defining extremes, showcasing brutal violence and sensual tenderness often in the same breath. The program centers around Boulez’s monumental Second Piano Sonata, from 1948. As Boulez said: “History as it is made by great composers is not a history of conservation but of destruction – even while cherishing what is destroyed.” In this spirit, Thomas will present a new original work titled “Rituel”, honoring Boulez, for piano and electronics. Premieres of new 30 for 30 piano pieces by organist/composer Rashaan Allwood, underground death metal legend Colin Marston and Ukrainian virtuoso violinist Orest Smovzh round out this celebration of a 20th century icon.
–30 for 30 commission by Rashaan Allwood –“Rituel” by Thomas Mellan –30 for 30 commission by Orest Smovzh –30 for 30 commission by Colin Marston –Boulez’s Piano Sonata No. 2