New Music New College-- John Cage's Song Books

New College of Florida’s cutting-edge series of contemporary music presents its 12th season beginning in the fall of 2010. Once again, Director Stephen Miles has put together a varied and compelling program for New Music New College, featuring some of the most innovative musicians of our time, coupled with performances featuring New College students.

This year’s venues will include, for the first time, the College’s new Black Box Theater in the Hamilton Student Center, along with the Mildred Sainer Pavilion, College Hall and the PepsiCo Arcade in the Caples Fine Arts Complex, site of the third rendition of the wildly popular rock happening under the stars, Crossroads 3.

Subscriptions for the five-concert series are $55, with single tickets priced at $15. Events are free for New College students, faculty, and staff. Season brochures are currently available. You can view the brochure or request to receive one in the mail. Contact us by email at events@ncf.edu or call (941) 487-4888.

In addition to the series, three special New Music events are planned for 2010-2011. These include a November performance of Cage’s Song Books at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in the Searing Galleries, and a February concert of mostly contemporary music performed by the Sarasota Orchestra as part of the College’s Celebration on the Bay to commemorate its 50th anniversary. New Music graduates will also participate in the Ringling International Arts Festival’s “Family Festival” in October.

Cage’s Song Books (1970) are ranked among his most important works, employing the full range of his techniques and methods – from surprisingly simple songs, fully notated, to electronically-processed vocal sounds and theatrical actions. In this performance, five soloists will perform simultaneous recitals, moving from location to location in College Hall, inviting the audience to stay follow the music, the performers and their imagination. This is NMNC’s first production of the Song Books since its landmark performance at the Ringling Museum in 1998.

There will be a free demo/discussion Friday Nov. 12th at 3:30 pm at College Hall.