January 11, 2008 —  The University of Virginia Arts Board and the McIntire Department of Music will present Fred Frith and Evelyn Glennie for a week of performances, colloquia and improvisation workshops beginning Feb. 1.

A composer, improviser and multi-instrumentalist, Frith has situated himself for over 30 years in the area where rock and new music meet. Co-founder of the British underground band Henry Cow (1968-78), Frith moved to New York in the late 1970s and came into contact with many of the musicians with whom he's since been associated, including John Zorn, Ikue Mori, Tom Cora, Zeena Parkins and Bob Ostertag. Best-known worldwide as an improvising guitarist, his music offers the listener glimpses into an imaginative world of creative possibility.

Glennie is the first person in musical history to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist. In 1993 Glennie received the Officer of the British Empire. This was later extended to "Dame Commander" for her services to music, and to date she has received approximately 80 international awards. Her diversity of collaborations have included performances with such artists as Nana Vasoncelos, Kodo, Bela Fleck, Bjork, Bobby McFerrin, Sting, Emmanuel Ax, Kings Singers, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Fred Frith. Of the 22 recordings made so far, Evelyn's first, "Bartok's Sonata for two Pianos and Percussion," won a Grammy in 1988.

Two extraordinary concerts highlight the residency. On Saturday, Feb. 2, Glennie and Frith will give a joint concert at 8 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall. The concert will feature solo pieces by Glennie, including "To the Earth," "Toccata and Fugue," "Prim," "Clapping Music" and "Barracuda Solo," as well as engaging improvisations by both artists. Tickets for this concert are free for U.Va. students and $10 for the general public; call the Cabell Hall Box Office at (434) 924-3984.

Frith will visit Vinegar Hill Theater on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.  for a film night and question-and-answer session, in conjunction with a screening of "Step Across the Border," a documentary that centers on his wildly engaging and expansive musical approach. Tickets for the event cost $9; U.Va. Arts Dollars cannot be used at this event.

Frith will give a concert on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall. U.Va. musicians, including the university's New Music Ensemble, will join him for this special event, which will feature pieces for solo guitar, piano and graphic scores. Tickets are free for U.Va. students and $10 for the general public; call the Cabell Hall Box Office at (434) 924-3984.

Frith and Glennie's residency will also include discussions by the two artists on the subject of improvisational music. The first, "Lore of Moments," will take place Friday, Feb. 1 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall, room 107. The second colloquia, "Composing Fast and Improvising Slowly: What's the Difference Between a Duck?," will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 am in the Kaleidoscope Room in Newcomb Hall. Both are free and open to public.

The University of Virginia Arts Board was created to raise students' awareness of and appreciation for the arts. The Arts Board is a cooperative effort between the McIntire Department of Music, the McIntire Department of Fine Art, the University of Virginia Art Museum, the Department of Drama, and Newcomb Hall and the University Programs Council. The U.Va. Arts Board is a student organization that invites internationally recognized artists to the Grounds.


FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Evelyn Glennie Master Class
Friday, Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Room B018, Old Cabell Hall
Free
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Joint Colloquium: "Lore of Moments"
Evelyn Glennie and Fred Frith
Friday, Feb. 1, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Room 107, Old Cabell Hall
Free
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Improvisation Workshops with Fred Frith
Saturday, Feb. 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
TBA
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Evelyn Glennie and Fred Frith in Concert
Saturday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m.
Old Cabell Hall
$10 General Admission /
U.Va. Students Free (limit 1 free ticket per student)
(434) 924-3984
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Colloquium: "Composing Fast and Improvising Slowly - What's the Difference Between a Duck?"
Fred Frith
Tuesday, Feb. 5, 10:30 a.m
Newcomb Hall Kaleidoscope
Free
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Fred Frith and Friends in Concert
Tuesday, Feb 5, 8 p.m.
Old Cabell Hall
$10 General Admission /
U.Va. Students Free (limit 1 free ticket per student)
(434) 924-3984
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Improvisation Workshops with Fred Frith
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Commonwealth Room
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Film Night Screening and Fred Frith Q&A Session
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m.
Vinegar Hill
$9 per ticket
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LINKS:

www.virginia.edu/music/artsboard

More about Fred Frith: http://fredfrith.com

More about Evelyn Glennie: http://www.evelyn.co.uk/