New York, NY (92NY) – The 92nd Street Y, a prominent cultural institution in New York, is set to host the groundbreaking collaboration between the renowned Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and acclaimed clarinetist Anthony McGill in a performance titled “American Dream.” The concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 7:30 pm at the Kaufmann Concert Hall, with ticket prices starting at $35.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Anthony McGill, hailed as today’s most compelling voice on the clarinet, will join forces with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra to present Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. Composed in 1948 for Benny Goodman, the concerto seamlessly blends Americana and jazz influences, providing an ideal canvas for McGill’s virtuosity, versatility, and expressivity.
The evening opens with Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s Sinfonietta No. 2, “Generations,” offering a miniature symphony that paints an intergenerational portrait of an American family. The program concludes with an adaptation of Dvořák’s beloved “American” Quartet, transformed for Orpheus’ sublime strings by James Wilson, resulting in a diverse and illuminating showcase of American and American-inspired music by some of its most stellar interpreters.
About the Artists:
1. Orpheus Chamber Orchestra:
Celebrating fifty years as a radical experiment in musical democracy, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1972 by cellist Julian Fifer. Rejecting the traditional hierarchical structure of symphony orchestras, Orpheus members, known as Orpheans, approach orchestral repertoire as if playing chamber music. The orchestra has made Carnegie Hall its home and achieved global acclaim through tours of Europe and Asia. Orpheus has a rich catalog of recordings, spanning Haydn symphonies, Mozart concertos, and twentieth-century gems by Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Ravel, and Bartók.
Orpheus continues to innovate and enrich its community through initiatives like Orpheus Reflections, which supports those living with Alzheimer’s Disease, the Orpheus Academy, and the Orpheus Leadership Institute. Their commitment to educational outreach, including Access Orpheus, brings music to public school students in New York City, fostering a connection to Carnegie Hall and the joy of music.
2. Anthony McGill:
Principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic and the first African American principal player in the organization’s history, Anthony McGill is a distinguished clarinetist with a dynamic international career. Recognized for his brilliance, penetrating sound, and rich character, McGill has performed as a soloist with top orchestras, including the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and Detroit Symphony Orchestras.
In addition to his orchestral engagements, McGill is a sought-after chamber musician, collaborating with renowned quartets and artists across various genres. He is the recipient of the 2020 Avery Fisher Prize, a significant accolade in classical music. McGill’s impact extends beyond the stage, as evidenced by his #TakeTwoKnees campaign in 2020, addressing racial injustice, and his partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative in 2023, examining America’s history of racial inequality through classical music.
2023/24 Tisch Music Season at 92NY
As part of 92NY’s 150th Anniversary theme, “Inspired by the Past, Transforming for the Future,” the Tisch Music Season curated by Vice President Amy Lam promises a lineup featuring newly commissioned works, premieres, and artist-driven programs. The season showcases the institution’s commitment to global accessibility, with over 20 events available for streaming and on-demand viewing.
Highlights of the 2023/24 Tisch Music Season include a release concert by the Joshua Redman Group, NY premieres of works by Tyshawn Sorey and Damien Geter’s “COTTON,” and a celebration of Howard Ashman, Laura Nyro, Stevie Wonder, and Sheldon Harnick in the Lyrics & Lyricists series. The season builds on the success of the Midsummer MusicFest and continues the evolution of the flagship Lyrics & Lyricists series, expanding on American Songbook offerings and exploring the diverse genres of American music.
As 92NY looks back on its musical history and celebrates its role in transforming jazz from small clubs to concert hall settings, the 2023/24 Tisch Music Season promises an engaging and diverse musical experience for audiences locally and globally.
