A large mixed ensemble combining voice, strings, winds and piano, Lunatics at Large was formed in 2007 to explore the timbral possibilities of chamber music repertoire from the beginning of the 20th century until now. In thematic concerts, the group juxtaposes standard repertoire and chamber pieces from established composers of the 20th century with more recent works. Lunatics at Large thus encourages listeners to hear connections between works and appreciate very recent compositions in the perspective of the evolution of classical music over the last 110 years. Lunatics at Large is committed to working closely with living composers and to commissioning new pieces for its expanded Pierrot instrumentation. The group also embraces collaborative projects with artists from other art forms and will organize several interdisciplinary performances involving poets, living composers and visual artists in upcoming seasons.
Initially a group of Mannes students eager to learn Schoenberg's modernist masterpiece Pierrot lunaire, Lunatics at Large was recently called "young, energetic and highly polished" by Allan Kozinn of the New York Times.
The group is presently commissioning an exciting selection of established and emerging poets and composers to write works on the theme "Sanctuary" and collaborate between now and next spring 2011 to explore this theme in words and sounds. The opening performance of the Sanctuary Project - featuring five 10-minute chamber works and ten poems - will take place at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on March 21st 2011. Several other performances will take place in actual sanctuaries of churches and synagogues in New York City. Participating composers: Andre Bregegere, Mohammed Fairouz, Raphael Fusco, Laura Koplewitz, Alex Shapiro. Participating poets: Robert Buchert, Joanna Fuhrman, David Shapiro, Yerra Sugarman, Ryan Vine.
Group members:
Katharine Dain, soprano
Jonathan Engle, flute
Ben Ringer, clarinet
Arthur Moeller, violin
Jen Herman, viola
Andrea Lee, cello
Evi Jundt, piano
Upcoming concerts:
Lunatics at Large series at WMP Concert Hall
Thursday, October 28th 2010 at 7:30pm - George Perle and His Legacy
Thursday, December 9th 2010 at 7:30pm - Second Viennese School
Thursday, April 21st 2011 at 7:30pm - The Sanctuary Project
Thursday, June 2nd 2011 at 7:30pm - Jazz Influence in New Music
The Sanctuary Project
Monday, March 21st 2011 at 8pm - Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall - Opening Performance
Friday, April 8th 2011 at 8pm - Christ and Saint Stephen's Church
Thursday, April 21st 2011 at 7:30pm - WMP Concert Hall
www.lunaticsensemble.com