Description

The Whitney Museum of American Art presented Meredith Monk Music @ the Whitney on Feb. 1, 2009, a one-day-only performance marathon featuring highlights from 43 years of work by the eminent composer, singer, and multi-disciplinary artist.

Meredith Monk's long relationship with the Whitney began in 1970 when she gave the first full concert of her music as part of the Museum's legendary Composers' Showcase series. Now, in a historic return to the Whitney, Monk and her Vocal Ensemble performed early material like Vessel Suite (1971) and more recent work like her haunting and witty Songs of Ascension (2008). Other works in the concert included Stringsongs (2004), Monk’s first string quartet; music from ATLAS, a 1991 opera; and a series of instrumental pieces including Gotham Lullaby (1974), Tablet (1976), Lonely Spirit (1991), and Double Fiesta (1986). In addition, author Rick Moody read his story Boys accompanied by four voices performing a piece originally composed for NPR’s The Next Big Thing.

Other performers in the marathon included composer/percussionist John Hollenbeck, singer Theo Bleckmann, violinist Todd Reynolds, next generation vocal ensemble The M6, students from the NYC Special Music School Middle School Chorus, and the powerhouse experimental percussion ensemble So Percussion.