Wordless Music Series

If you’re unaware of the Wordless Music Series, than you are missing out. The series pairs rock and electronic musicians with more traditional classical and chamber music performers, demonstrating “that the various boundaries and genre distinctions segregating music today…are an artificial construction in need of dismantling.” The shows usually take place at the Good Shepherd Faith Church, the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, or the Society for Ethical Culture, all of which provide an intimate, inspirational setting. Past performers include Andrew Bird, Glenn Kotche, Polmo Polpo, The Books, Grizzly Bear, Mum, Max Richter, Beirut, and Eluvium.

Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, who has been “around” quite a bit what with his There Will Be Blood soundtrack, had his composition “Popcorn Superhet Receiver” performed on Jan. 16th and 17th by the Wordless Music Orchestra. WYNC recorded the show and it is now streaming here.

The next scheduled Wordless Music Series show is May 2 with Stars of the Lid (with string quartet and projections) and itsnotyouitsme and Face the Music, a NYC new-music ensemble comprising 19 students in grades 4-10 from the Kaufman Center’s Special Music School. They will perform recent chamber music by Caleb Burhans (Escape Wisconsin), Ira Mowitz (Kol Aharon), and
John Adams (Hallelujah Junction).