intO tHe WiLd 

Born to be Wild                                           David Lang

Copper Canvas                                           Andy Akiho

then, nothing                                              Kamran Ince

26 Little Deaths                                       Carla Kihlstedt

We kick off the centennial year of author and illustrator Edward Gorey with a CD-release performance of the Carla Kihlstedt/Present Music collaboration 26 Little Deaths, which is based on the book The Gashleycrumb Tinies. It’s an alphabet book, part Tim Burton, part Edgar Allan Poe, which takes macabre humor to a new level— and Kihlstedt’s brilliant interpretations are truly epic. Not to be missed! 

The concert also features premieres from two of today’s most exciting composers: Andy Akiho’s Copper Canvas examines the number 29 from the Periodic Table of Elements, and PM favorite Kamran Ince’s then, nothing asks the tough existential questions. And a tongue-in-cheek romp through the Steppenwolf biker classic will rev you up for the wild ride!

David Bloom, conductor

intO tHe WiLd is sponsored by Jan Serr & John Shannon, and co-sponsored by Nancy Leff & KC Lerner. Kamran Ince’s work commissioned by Jan Serr & John Shannon. Andy Akiho’s work commissioned by
Christine Rundblad & Randall Lindert. Carla Kihlstedt’s appearance underwritten by Ellen & Joe Checota.

Media Sponsors: Shepherd Express and WMSE

intO tHe WiLd  

Born to be Wild                                           David Lang

Copper Canvas                                           Andy Akiho

then, nothing                                              Kamran Ince

26 Little Deaths                                       Carla Kihlstedt

We kick off the centennial year of author and illustrator Edward Gorey with a CD-release performance of the Carla Kihlstedt/Present Music collaboration 26 Little Deaths, which is based on the book The Gashleycrumb Tinies. It’s an alphabet book, part Tim Burton, part Edgar Allan Poe, which takes macabre humor to a new level— and Kihlstedt’s brilliant interpretations are truly epic. Not to be missed! 

The concert also features premieres from two of today’s most exciting composers: Andy Akiho’s Copper Canvas examines the number 29 from the Periodic Table of Elements, and PM favorite Kamran Ince’s then, nothing asks the tough existential questions. And a tongue-in-cheek romp through the Steppenwolf biker classic will rev you up for the wild ride!

David Bloom, conductor

intO tHe WiLd is sponsored by Jan Serr & John Shannon, and co-sponsored by Nancy Leff & KC Lerner. Kamran Ince’s work commissioned by Jan Serr & John Shannon. Andy Akiho’s work commissioned by
Christine Rundblad & Randall Lindert. Carla Kihlstedt’s appearance underwritten by Ellen & Joe Checota.

Media Sponsors: Shepherd Express and WMSE

In addition to celebrating Carla Kihlstedt’s “26 Little Deaths” and the Edward Gorey Centennial, Present Music brings two most recently commissioned works to Big Ears Festival, Andy Akiho— a composer relatively new to the ensemble and Present Music’s longest-running collaborator, Turkish-American Kamran Ince. Both share an adventurous spirit, an episodic flair, and an incredible ear for instrumental color, and a passionate approach to music-making.

The Big Ears performance will open with a chestnut from the inimitable David Lang. A spur-of-the-moment decision years ago led to a clangorous encore version of Steppenwolf’s  “Born to be Wild” (delivered in droll monotone by the composer himself). Kihlstedt, Akiho, Ince, and Lang, with the untamed musicians of Present Music; “lookin’ for adventure, and whatever comes our way…”

In this special after-hours event, peruse the museum galleries in ambient lighting before enjoying an intimate concert surrounded by the warm glow of flickering candles. Experience an unforgettable atmosphere while listening to Ruo Huang's meditative composition, A Dust in Time.

Join mesmerizing indie singer Julia Holter down at the crossroads— where pop, classical, and the avant-garde meet! This Utopian blend of genres has influenced music for decades, and we’ll highlight that convergence with Julia’s original music, a profoundly personal work by Alex Temple, and a world premiere by the irrepressible Viet Cuong. We’re turning the volume up to “11” for this one! 

Deanna Tham, conductor

In conjunction with Milwaukee Art Museum exhibit, “Baroque Spain”

Media Sponsors: Shepherd Express and WMSE