Santa Monica Public Library Presents Soundwaves: Partch on Film and on Stage
April 17, 2017 5:15 PM
Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8600
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 17, 2017
Contact: Jeff Schwartz, Reference Librarian
Phone: (310) 458-8631
Santa Monica Public Library presents Soundwaves: Partch on Film and on Stage
Santa Monica, California – The Santa Monica Public Library Soundwaves concert series presents a program devoted to the work of Harry Partch on Wednesday May 17, 2017, at 7:30PM in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium at 601 Santa Monica Blvd. This presentation is also part of the 20th anniversary season of Microfest (microfest.org), "the world’s leading concert series devoted to the glorious universe of non-standard tunings."
Harry Partch (1901-1974) was a composer and music theorist who designed and built instruments to play in his own tuning system, which uses 43 notes to the octave instead of the twelve of almost all other European and American music. His work also incorporated text and movement, approaching a kind of ritual drama. Though he lived on the margins of society, his work has become seen as part of an "American Maverick" group, including Henry Cowell, Charles Ives, Lou Harrison, John Cage, and others, and is increasingly respected, studied, and performed.
John Schneider, the founder of Microfest and leader of the Grammy-winning Partch ensemble, will screen a 1958 documentary film "Music Studio," showing Partch at work, then perform several pieces solo and with Erin Barnes. Schneider and Barnes will also demonstrate and discuss recreations of some of Partch's instruments. This is a rare opportunity to see and hear these up close.
Soundwaves is a monthly concert series presenting artists who appear on the DRAM (Database of Recorded American Music) streaming service. The Santa Monica Public Library is the first public library to offer this service to its cardholders. Listings of past and upcoming Soundwaves shows as well as sound and video recordings are at soundwavesnewmusic.com
This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first-arrival basis. The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible. For special disabled services, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606 at least one week prior to event. For more information, visit smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.
Media Contact
Jeff Schwartz
Librarian I
Jeff.Schwartz@SMGOV.NET