WordSong Chicago explores how one poem can be interpreted in multiple ways by readers, composers, and performers. Four musical settings of Chicago author Ami Kaye's poem "Woodwinds" will be premiered, including piano/vocal settings from composers Jo Ann Daugherty, Keith Murphy, Brandon Young-Eleazar, and a four-part a cappella rendering by 2024 Virtual songSLAM winner Tabes Bridges. Each of the four premiere works will be performed by members of Fourth Coast Ensemble alongside pianist and moderator Mark Bilyeu. Attendees will receive an interactive guide to write down thoughts, reactions, and insights, and will be encouraged to engage in conversation with the composers and poet in attendance.
|
Fourth Coast Ensemble is pleased to present the sixth annual Chicago songSLAM. Fashioned after poetry slams and story telling events, teams will present a new art song of 5 minutes or less for the voting audience, who will award $2,000 in prize money to the top three teams. Additionally, Fourth Coast Ensemble will award a $1,000 commission prize to one composer for a new work to be premiered in 2026. The competition is emcee'd by Chicago composer Stacy Garrop at the beautiful KOVAL Distillery Tasting Room in Chicago's Ravenswood corridor. Fourth Coast Ensemble will perform several of Ms. Garrop’s works to close the night as votes are tabulated.
|
