University Launches Conversations on Music Program

Nov 5, 2014

The Art and Music History Program at The University of Scranton will host “Interactive Music: Blurring the Line Between Audience and Artist” as the first program of a new concert and lecture series called “Conversations on Music.” The event, which is free of charge and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall.

Led by Anthony T. Marasco, adjunct professor of art and music at the University, the program will feature works by 20th Century composers who ask both their performers and their audience members to make and experience music in a variety of unconventional manners. The audience will have the opportunity to step into the roles of both composer and performer.

Guest composer Monica Pearce will be on hand to talk about the challenges composers face when they allow chaos and chance to take control of their musical creations. She is the executive director of the Music Gallery, Toronto, Canada, and a board member of the Canadian Music Centre and Musicworks Magazine. She will premiere a new work written exclusively for University of Scranton students at the event.

In addition to Pearce’s world premiere composition, the program includes John White’s “Newspaper-Reading Machine, “John Cage’s “4’33”” and Ann Southam’s “Natural Resources,” among others.

Designed as an interactive program, “Conversations on Music” intends to bring new and unique musical experiences to the campus and greater Scranton area. Lectures will feature guest composers, music historians and performers from around the world who will present on a wide range of musical topics. Performances will include practical demonstrations of the topics discussed, ranging from interactive experiences to live musical performances.

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