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Composers have long explored the percussive possibilities of traditionally non-percussive instruments, striking, tapping, scraping, and knocking on their bodies to uncover sounds beyond their conventional vocabulary. Many of these techniques already belong to a tradition of extended instrumental practice in contemporary music. But composers and performers continue to find new ways of expanding an instrument’s expressive capabilities, and, in doing so, our own imaginations. On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson explores music by Helmut Lachenmann, Nina Shekhar, Kazimierz Serocki, Erin Rogers, Luciano Berio, and Giacinto Scelsi that asks us to hear familiar instruments in unfamiliar ways, imagining what else they might become.

The late Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock left behind music of extraordinary color, imagination and emotional depth. The new album, Artemis Sleeps, celebrates her remarkable chamber music for flute and grew out of the advocacy of flutist Mark McGregor, a longtime collaborator and close friend. On this episode of Relevant Tones, Seth Boustead talks with McGregor about Morlock’s music, their friendship, and the story behind bringing Artemis Sleeps to life.

Formed in 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin, the Beltline Bones are “a new music ensemble disguised as a trombone quartet” with an omnivorous approach to new music, combining the traditional idiom of the brass ensemble with an adventurous interest in electronics, genre mixture, and notational experimentation. On their second commercial release, Technological Eclipse, the ensemble chronicles several fruits of its commissioning efforts, with a program of electro-acoustic pieces that push the boundaries of genre and notation.  On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson talks with Cole Bartels, Justin Coyne and Adam Nissenbaum about the group's work, their commissioning and arranging projects, live performance, Technological Eclipse, and much more. MUSIC Geminids by Alex Ring Gray I Was Thinking About the Buffalo by Brooks Frederickson Variants II by Cole Bartels Technological Eclipse by Alec Love In and Out of the Game by Eve Beglarian Ocho by Jorge Variego

The voice is our oldest and most familiar instrument, yet composers continue to discover astonishing new possibilities within it. Music for the voice alone invites us to listen differently. Without harmony or accompaniment to guide our ears, every contour, breath, and vocal gesture takes on its own significance.  On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson explores music for the unaccompanied voice, featuring works by Morton Feldman, John Cage, Gráinne Mulvey, Enno Poppe, Erin Gee, Giacinto Scelsi, Jean-Christophe Rosaz, Luciano Berio, and Meredith Monk. Through these extraordinary works, we’re invited to hear not only the limitless expressive potential of a single voice, but perhaps even the unexpected musicality of the many voices we encounter every day. Featured Music - Only, Morton Feldman - Eight Whiskus, John Cage - Eternity is Now, Gráinne Mulvey - Wespe, Enno Poppe - Mouthpiece I, Erin Gee - Hô, Giacinto Scelsi - Alphabet, Jean-Christophe Rosaz - Sequenza III, Luciano Berio - Lullaby, Meredith Monk

The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival is an ambitious summer program that brings together young string players to work intensively with leading professionals while performing throughout Colchester and the surrounding communities. For the past four years, the festival has also championed new music through its annual Call for Scores. On this episode of Relevant Tones, Seth Boustead talks with Artistic Director Elizabeth Chang about the festival's unique approach to chamber music education and features works by recent Call for Scores winners Paul Novak, Jorge Amado, Ethan Jankowski, and Mary Brook Hartmann.

Best known for her acclaimed work with ballet companies across the country, Cristina Spinei has developed a distinctive musical language built on melodic cells, propulsive rhythms and subtle repetition which she affectionately describes as "minimalish." Host Seth Boustead talks with Spinei about her new album, Moved by an Interior Impulse, her long collaboration with choreographers, and how writing for dance has shaped her voice as a composer.

On this episode of Relevant Tones we highlight Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Third Place [MusicFest] as they celebrate their 7th year. Third Place curates an annual, four day performing arts festival comprised of multiple concerts in local spaces. They are founded on principles both simple and often overlooked: that concerts should be radically welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. Host Stephen Anthony Rawson talks with co-director Wesley Hornpetrie about the history of the festival, its efforts to create spectacular concerts around diverse and complementary programming, its deep roots in the local business community of Ann Arbor, and more. MUSIC C by Han Lash, performed by Woven Duo Tale of Fourth by Leith and through the pines, I hear the singing by Jacob Nance, performed by FLYDLPHN Armenian Dance Medley by Ara Topouzian Trio Baad Illi Kan by Taqsim

In the second half of our conversation with conductor, composer and producer Peter Askim, we take a deeper look at his efforts to champion living composers through initiatives like the NC State 10-Year Premiere Project. Askim discusses the importance of creating opportunities for emerging voices, building lasting relationships between composers and performers, and finding new ways to connect audiences with contemporary music. He also reflects on the evolving role of orchestras in the 21st century and the future of new music. MUSIC Echoes From Our Digital World by Trevor New Tiled Fields by James Budinich Beacons for Chamber Orchestra by Ahmed Al Abaca Episodes by Chris Boardman

Composer, conductor, and producer Peter Askim joins Seth Boustead to discuss building vibrant communities around contemporary classical music through the NC State 10-Year Premiere Project, the NEXT Festival of Emerging Artists, and his work with orchestras across North Carolina. From commissioning dozens of World Premieres to mentoring emerging composers and reimagining how audiences experience new music, Askim shares his vision for the future of the orchestra and the artists shaping it. This is the first in a two-part episode. MUSIC The Raw Heart of the Spinning World by Peter Askim The Inheritors Overture by Allison Loggins Hull Nowruz for Orchestra by Adeliia Faizullina Sinfonietta of Dreams movement III: There by Jeff Scott Webbings and Circles by Nahre Sol

Composer Brent Michael Davids discusses his powerful new work Requiem for America: Singing for the Invisible People—a sweeping musical reckoning with the genocidal foundations of the United States, told through Indigenous voices. Blending Native American musical traditions with orchestral forces, the piece confronts history through texts both personal and political, culminating in a message of resilience: “We Are Still Here.” We also feature a selection of Davids’s music, offering a deeper window into his singular artistic voice and lifelong mission to center Native perspectives in contemporary classical music.

Esteemed composer Bernard Rands has passed away, a huge loss to our musical community. We honor his memory by re-airing this interview with host Seth Boustead from September 2017. Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Bernard Rands reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than a hundred published works and recordings. In this conversation with Relevant Tones, he shares insights into his musical language, creative process, and the ideas that have shaped his work Produced by Sarah Zwinklis

Relevant Tones returns after our hiatus to bring you some of our favorite albums (and concerts) of the year. It was a great year for music! Hosted by Seth Boustead, Matthew Dosland, Stephen Anthony Rawson and Austin Williams. MUSIC For Adrienne I by Martin Gendelman What Stories We Tell by George Hurd Study No. 1 by Jessie Montgomery Yanga by Gabriela Ortiz At Which Point No. 1: Prologue by Wang Lu Groung (Crane) by Mary Kouyoumdijian More Mania by the Dirty Projectors Thoka by Aniima Moraine Lake by Frank Horvat

At the World’s Edge is a chamber music festival inspired by its roots in the Southern Alps of New Zealand and forging ties to Chicago and beyond. Host Seth Boustead talks with violinist and founding Artistic Director Benjamin Baker about his vision for the festival and features music the festival has commissioned. MUSIC Yabo by Salina Fisher String Trio No. 2 by Huw Watkins (excerpt) Mata Au by Salina Fisher Four Postcards by Gareth Farr

Host Austin Williams and composer guest Neil Quigley chat about Neil’s music and its relationship to speculative history. Neil explains how his relationship to the Kilkenny Electroacoustic Research Laboratory is largely based in that practice. Among many other projects Neil created this love letter to his hometown and lans to wrap up the anthology in the coming year or so. Check more of Neil’s work at his band camp: Set List 1. Helga Hölzel ( Neil Quigley ) - Early Impulse Study 1 - St. Mary's Cathedral (1968) 2. Kenny Phelan  ( Neil Quigley ) - A Psychogeographic sonification of Fairy Forts located near the banks of the Three Sisters  I, II, III 3. Tony Quinn ( Neil Quigley ) - Footing 4. Physique -   French Lick, Indiana 5. Physique -  Desperate Housewives S04E05 6. Physique - Wunder-Baum

Join host Austin Williams as he speaks to members of the Coalescent Saxophone Quartet. The quartet consists of members Nathan Bogert, Michael Shults, Nick Zoulek, and Drew Whiting; each of which are incredibly accomplished musicians in their own right. The quartet has recently released a new album (The Wall Between Us) of works for sax quartet. Austin asks the ensemble questions about codifying the saxophone quartet in the new classical music chamber zeitgeist and what that means. There is also lovely conversation about the instrument itself and the role it plays in the new classical music world. Please check out the new album and each individual artist, you will not be disappointed! Zack Browning - Unrelenting UniverseChen Yi -  Distance Can't Keep Us Two ApartEmma O’Halloran: Night MusicEvan Williams - Quartet for SaxophonesMartin Bresnick: Mending Time