NEWS about Lewis SpratlanLewis Spratlan has retired from teaching at Amherst College, but will remain Peter Pouncey Professor of Music Emeritus. A concert in celebration of his 36 years at the college was presented on February 19, 2006. Featured at this gala event, called "Mega-Ditties," were performances of MEGA-DITTY, TOCCAPSODY, PICCOLOSOPHY, OPHÉLIE, and STREAMING. A CD of this concert is available through the composer (mlspratlan@amherst.edu).WONDERER, commissioned by London's Borletti-Buitoni Trust, was treated to a series of brilliant and extremely well-received performances by the superb young pianist Jonathan Biss during the spring of 2006. Spratlan viewed the creation of this work as a true collaboration, composing specifically to Jonathan's particular musical personality and pianistic style. He also introduced and discussed the piece in Portland, Maine, Town Hall in New York, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, and Bowker Auditorium at the University of Massachusetts. (For a review, see the archives of the Philadelphia Enquirer for February, 2006) The exciting and path-breaking cellist Matt Haimovitz will present Spratlan's most recent work SHADOW during a series of concerts in July, August, and September 2006. Following is the schedule: July 25 Pebble Beach, California Music Institute (gala fundraiser) July 29 Tarrytown, NY Summit Music Festival July 30 Weston, VT. "Sunday on the Hill" August 31 Cöthen, Germany, Bach Festival, "Bach Meets America" September 7 Kingston, ONT The Bookstore Café September 9 Hamilton, ONT Pepper Jack Café September 16 Waterville, ME Colby College September 21-23 recording sessions in Montreal Spratlan is now at work on a "consortium commission" by 30 saxophonists for a concerto for Saxophone (soprano and tenor) and orchestra. It is scheduled for completion in November, 2006, with performances nationwide in 2007 and 2008. Stay tuned for venues. More NEWS... |
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An interview with Spratlan reprinted from About.com |
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| An extensive interview with Spratlan featuring QuickTime video excerpts and brief RealAudio samples of his music, hosted by NewMusicBox.org |