In this set of fresh new work, the group flexes their muscles as a new music ensemble, boldly adventuring into uncharted territory. In recent years, the Guidonian Hand has been able to secure many fine works from their amazing colleagues in New York. Most of these pieces were written expressly for the Guidonian Hand, and count among their authors two ASCAP composition award winners, and several recipients of esteemed Meet the Composer grants.

The goal of this program is to expand the literature and scope of brass chamber music, and to bring it to a new audience. From Michael Gordon’s rich explorations of the deepest registers, to the avant-garde graphic notation of Rabe, to the post-minimalist approach of Galen Brown, audience members will be expertly guided on this survey of contemporary frontiers. The pulsing, fragmented electronic accompaniment of Eve Beglarian’s piece provides a unique sonic field over which the trombones soar, while Jeremy Howard Beck draws from ancient horn voicings and ritual in his heart-stopping and meditative Awakening. These diverse works will be an inspiration to other composers and ensembles, and will open audiences’ ears to strange new forms of beauty.

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Works to be performed on the “State of the Art” program may include:

Eve Beglarian, In and Out of the Game
Michael Gordon, Low Quartet (authorized arrangement by our own Mark Broschinsky)
Jeremy Howard Beck, Awakening
J. Mark Stambaugh, Splendor Solis
Conrad Winslow, Pinning Music
Galen Brown, Grind
Folke Rabe, Bolos
Daniel Schnyder, Quartet
Benjamin Brody, Miniatures