The Linfield University Department of Music and the Lacroute Composer Readings and Chamber Music Mentorship Program is partnering with Pyxis Quartet for a series of performances this semester. The string ensemble is part of the 45th Parallel Universe, which is a constellation of the Oregon Symphony.
Each semester, the program invites a different professional ensemble to campus, presenting two recitals featuring contemporary composers and the premiere performance of student pieces. The ensemble partners with student composers as they develop, workshop, revise, and hear their compositions come to life. Over the course of their studies at Linfield, students develop a diverse portfolio of original creative work, recorded by professional musicians. The program supports Linfield Music majors and minors and regional students enrolled in community college or high school, who are invited to participate. This semester, a high school student from Wasilla, Alaska, is participating.
“Our pieces this semester are written specifically for the Pyxis Quartet, whose residency is funded by Ronni Lacroute,” said Thomas Sagers, a Linfield student composer. “There are a few talkback sessions in between drafts, where the members of the ensemble give us tips on how to write more idiomatically for their respective instrument, as well as cleaning up and refining notation.”
Pyxis Quartet performed on April 11 and will premiere student work on 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 in Delkin Recital Hall (Vivian A. Bull Music Center, location). The ensemble will perform Terry Riley’s masterpiece, “In C”, alongside Linfield student performers in the Concert Band and String Ensemble, directed by Florian Conzetti, Linfield’s director of instrumental activities. The performance is free and open to the public.
“It’s exciting to see the quartet engage with the student compositions with the same intentionality and seriousness they would bring to traditional works,” said Andrea Reinkemeyer, associate professor of music composition and theory. “This mentorship opportunity is invaluable for Linfield student composers and performers.”
For more information about the upcoming concerts, call 503-883-2275 or visit linfield.edu/arts.
