2023-24 | Fear No Music - 32nd Season
HEADWINDS
donation-based concerts, available to all
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We continue to further our mission-driven commitment to accessibility by offering a donation-based ticketing model for ALL events. $25 suggested donation per patron.
Titled HEADWINDS, the 2023-2024 season celebrates composers whose music, innovative ideas, or very own existence has overcome systemic resistance just to be heard.
This season, the concert series at the Old Church Concert Hall will receive additional performances at a new, informal Sunday morning series at Reed College’s Eliot Chapel called De-Mystifying New Music. In this unique lecture/performance experience, the musicians will deconstruct and de-mystify one or two works over the course of an hour, giving audiences the opportunity to experience a single work multiple times in one sitting. This hour-long lecture performance series will be complete with pastries and coffee; and an opportunity to interact with the Fearless musicians (and composers) in an informal and intimate setting.
De-Mystifying New Music Series: Concert 5
Join Fear No Music in a unique lecture/performance experience, as the musicians deconstruct and de-mystify one or two works. This hour-long lecture performance series will be complete with pastries and coffee; and an opportunity to interact with the Fearless musicians (and composers) in an informal and intimate setting.
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Location: Eliot Chapel, Reed College. Parking is free and not validated. The Chapel is at the west end of the second floor of Eliot Hall.
East parking lot (off of Woodstock Blvd): Walk west, past the library, and cross the roundabout. Gothic building across the roundabout is Eliot Hall. Entry from the farthest west door across from the great lawn (large grass lawn off of Woodstock) or the east point entry from the roundabout.
North parking lot (off of Steele): walk south, pass Bragdon residence hall (on your left), and cross the bridge. The Gothic building across from the bridge is Eliot Hall. Enter at the east point entry (off of the roundabout, to your left from the bridge).
West parking lot (off of SE 28th): walk east, past the Performing Arts Building, Old Dorm Block (Gothic looking residence building), the Gray Campus Center (to your left). The second gothic building is Eliot Hall heading east. Enter through the first door across from the great lawn (large wooden door).
Monologues and Dialogues
Solo and duo works by composers including Kate Soper, Reena Esmail, Gemma Peacocke, Phyllis Chen, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, and Dobrinka Tabakova.
Iran/America: Common Themes, Different Worlds
Presenting music by the Iranian Female Composers Association (Niloufar Nourbaksh, Aida Shirazi, and Anahita Abbasi) and Black American composers Brittany J. Green, Jordyn Davis, and Shelley Washington.
De-Mystifying New Music Series: Concert 4
Join Fear No Music in a unique lecture/performance experience, as the musicians deconstruct and de-mystify one or two works. This hour-long lecture performance series will be complete with pastries and coffee; and an opportunity to interact with the Fearless musicians (and composers) in an informal and intimate setting.
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Location: Eliot Chapel, Reed College. Parking is free and not validated. The Chapel is at the west end of the second floor of Eliot Hall.
East parking lot (off of Woodstock Blvd): Walk west, past the library, and cross the roundabout. Gothic building across the roundabout is Eliot Hall. Entry from the farthest west door across from the great lawn (large grass lawn off of Woodstock) or the east point entry from the roundabout.
North parking lot (off of Steele): walk south, pass Bragdon residence hall (on your left), and cross the bridge. The Gothic building across from the bridge is Eliot Hall. Enter at the east point entry (off of the roundabout, to your left from the bridge).
West parking lot (off of SE 28th): walk east, past the Performing Arts Building, Old Dorm Block (Gothic looking residence building), the Gray Campus Center (to your left). The second gothic building is Eliot Hall heading east. Enter through the first door across from the great lawn (large wooden door).
An Afternoon with Birbiá Union
Support Fear No Music and enjoy a delightful afternoon of appetizers, drinks, and music at our own cellist, Nancy Ives’ house.
Locally Sourced Sounds IX
Including works by Skye Neal, Kirsten Volness, Rachel Modlin, Kimberly Osberg, and Bora Yoon.
This concert is generously supported by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC).
CANCELLED: De-Mystifying New Music Series: Concert 3
CANCELLED: Due to Reed Campus closure and continuing hazardous travel conditions for Fear No Music musicians and board members, we regretfully are cancelling De-Mystifying New Music. Please join us for our Monday evening show at the Old Church on Monday, January 22 for the full Locally Sourced Sounds program.
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Join Fear No Music in a unique lecture/performance experience, as the musicians deconstruct and de-mystify one or two works. This hour-long lecture performance series will be complete with pastries and coffee; and an opportunity to interact with the Fearless musicians (and composers) in an informal and intimate setting.
—
Location: Eliot Chapel, Reed College. Parking is free and not validated. The Chapel is at the west end of the second floor of Eliot Hall.
East parking lot (off of Woodstock Blvd): Walk west, past the library, and cross the roundabout. Gothic building across the roundabout is Eliot Hall. Entry from the farthest west door across from the great lawn (large grass lawn off of Woodstock) or the east point entry from the roundabout.
North parking lot (off of Steele): walk south, pass Bragdon residence hall (on your left), and cross the bridge. The Gothic building across from the bridge is Eliot Hall. Enter at the east point entry (off of the roundabout, to your left from the bridge).
West parking lot (off of SE 28th): walk east, past the Performing Arts Building, Old Dorm Block (Gothic looking residence building), the Gray Campus Center (to your left). The second gothic building is Eliot Hall heading east. Enter through the first door across from the great lawn (large wooden door).
The After Party: Four Post-Soviet Portraits
Seminal works by Franghiz Ali Zadeh, Galina Ustvolskaya, Sofia Gubaidulina, and Ukrainian composer Galina Grigorjeva.
De-Mystifying New Music Series: Hosted by Robert McBride
Portland's much-loved Robert McBride (All Classical Portland) joins us as host of our second De-Mystifying New Music Concert. Join FNM musicians to de-mystify the works of Galina Ustvolskaya and Galina Grigorjeva in an intimate, informal, and interactive concert experience hosted at Reed College.
This hour-long lecture performance series will be complete with pastries and coffee.
—
Location: Eliot Chapel, Reed College. Parking is free and not validated. The Chapel is at the west end of the second floor of Eliot Hall.
East parking lot (off of Woodstock Blvd): Walk west, past the library, and cross the roundabout. Gothic building across the roundabout is Eliot Hall. Entry from the farthest west door across from the great lawn (large grass lawn off of Woodstock) or the east point entry from the roundabout.
North parking lot (off of Steele): Walk south, pass Bragdon residence hall (on your left), and cross the bridge. The Gothic building across from the bridge is Eliot Hall. Enter at the east point entry (off of the roundabout, to your left from the bridge).
West parking lot (off of SE 28th): Walk east, past the Performing Arts Building, Old Dorm Block (Gothic looking residence building), the Gray Campus Center (to your left). The second Gothic building is Eliot Hall heading east. Enter through the first door across from the great lawn (large wooden door).
WIRED: An Electroacoustic Evening
Featuring works by Annie Gosfield, Kamala Sankaram, Hannah Ishizaki, Eve Beglarian, and Kaija Saariaho.
De-Mystifying New Music Series: Concert 1
Join Fear No Music in a unique lecture/performance experience, as the musicians deconstruct and de-mystify one or two works. This hour-long lecture performance series will be complete with pastries and coffee; and an opportunity to interact with the Fearless musicians (and composers) in an informal and intimate setting.
Dealer’s Choice
Finishing out the 2022-23 concert season, Fear No Music Artistic Director Kenji Bunch hands over programming duties to FNM’s intrepid core members.
As with every concert this season, the evening begins with a composition from FNM’s Young Composers Project. This concert, 12-year-old Alejandro Belgique presents his new work, Dance To Another Dimension. Following this exciting opening, the ensemble presents a variety of instrumentations and styles of works by Andrea Casarrubios, Raven Chacon, Keyla Orozco, FNM’s own Kenji Bunch, and Zachary Semke. Each work has been hand-picked by the musicians who will introduce and perform it — this passionate season finale is one not to miss!
Hearing the Future: Music from the Young Composers Project (Part 2)
Our annual Young Composers Project music marathon! Come hear 29 young PNW composers present 29 world premieres.
The concert is divided into two concerts, 1:30 & 4:00pm. Join us for one or both concerts and support these phenomenal young composers!
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Fear No Music’s Young Composers Project (YCP) provides groundbreaking composition training and mentorship for youth interested in composing as a professional career or life passion. Students grades 5 - 12 train with the region’s top professional musicians and composers, developing their new works through a series of workshops and public concerts.
Hearing the Future: Music from the Young Composers Project (Part 1)
Our annual Young Composers Project music marathon! Come hear 29 young PNW composers present 29 world premieres.
The concert is divided into two concerts, 1:30 & 4:00pm. Join us for one or both concerts and support these phenomenal young composers!
—
Fear No Music’s Young Composers Project (YCP) provides groundbreaking composition training and mentorship for youth interested in composing as a professional career or life passion. Students grades 5 - 12 train with the region’s top professional musicians and composers, developing their new works through a series of workshops and public concerts.
World Premieres: by Fear No Music Young Composers Project alum Chris Thomas
Join Fear No Music for a unique exploration of Echoes of Light, a brand new work by composer Chris Thomas, one of YCP's most prominent alumni. After a first hearing of the new work, Thomas will discuss the project with the performers and audience before we hear Echoes of Light again with new insight. Works by distinguished YCP alumni Vincent Nguyen and Caleb Palka are also featured on the program.
Legacies II: influence and confluence
As with every concert this season, Legacies II: Influence and Confluence begins with a work by a distinguished alum of our Young Composers Project. Following YCP alum, Ian Guthrie's duet for viola and piano, Legacies II presents string quartets by Angélica Négron & Katherine Balch, ending with Beethoven's Op. 130 string quartet, a quartet that echoes throughout Balch's work. At nearly 200 years old, Beethoven's quartet again proves to be alive and well in the 21st century.
Imagine I’m Someone Else
One Night Only: Portland debut of nationally renowned comedian and violist Isabel Hagen
Featured live on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in October, 2022 and named a “New Face of Comedy” at the 2019 Just For Laughs Festival in Motréal, Isabel Hagen has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most promising young comedians in American. Isabel holds multiple degrees in Viola Performance from The Juilliard School and has toured internationally. A versatile musician, she has performed with artists such as Björk, Max Richter, and Steve Reich. Isabel’s solo Show, “Imagine I’m Someone Else” will combine music and comedy in an unexpected way that will invite audiences on an unprecedented and unforgettable journey.
This show is for audiences 18+.
Locally Sourced Sounds VIII
This season, Fear No Music’s annual celebration of the music that grows in their backyard is dedicated to composers involved in their Young Composers Project. Beginning with a work by current YCP standout Grace Miedziak, you will hear the music of recent alum Rohan Srinivasan, followed by work by Rohan’s mentor, Dr. Ryan Francis- himself an early alum of YCP. The concert closes with a special set by YCP alum and folk singer/songwriter Rachel Jumago, aka Arbielle.
Legacies I: the creative continuum
Legacies I will begin with a beautiful, meditative work by Young Composer Project alum Nathan Campbell and travel gradually back in time through the “sacared minimalism” of Ukrainian composer Victoria Vita Poleva, the mysterious polystylism of Alfred Schnittke, and the unusual chamber work by Gustav Mahler than inspired the Schnittke. The Mahler is followed by lieder composed by Mahler’s mentor, Johannes Brahms, and finally arriving at a gem by Clara Schumann, a great inspirational figure in Brahms’ life.
Imagine I’m Someone Else
UPDATE (9/22): THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO COVID! We are working hard to reschedule this performance!
One Night Only: Portland debut of nationally renowned comedian and violist Isabel Hagen
Featured live on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in 2020 and named a “New Face of Comedy” at the 2019 Just For Laughs Festival in Motréal, Isabel Hagen has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most promising young comedians in American. Isabel holds multiple degrees in Viola Performance from The Juilliard School and has toured internationally. A versatile musician, she has performed with artists such as Björk, Max Richter, and Steve Reich. Isabel’s solo Show, “Imagine I’m Someone Else” will combine music and comedy in an unexpected way that will invite audiences on an unprecedented and unforgettable journey.
This show is for audiences 18+.
Tomorrow Is My Turn
This program revisits last year’s groundbreaking season of music by Black American composers with large ensemble works featured alongside encore, live performances of some of the most compelling performances from last year’s virtual season. In-person concert: Monday, June 20, 7:30-9:30pm; online viewing available July 4 beginning at 7:30pm.
Community partner: Don’t Shoot Portland
Don’t Shoot Portland is a Black-led human rights nonprofit that advocates for community and accountability. Since 2014, the organization has implemented art, education and civic participation within its programming to create social change.
Asian Resilience and Joy
This will be an exuberant, colorful performance of new work by composers from the vast Asian diaspora. With awareness of the ongoing discrimination towards Asian Americans, Fear No Music celebrates the multi-dimensional lives and richly diverse influences of Asian cultures through this festival of audaciously vibrant and celebratory work. In-person concert: Monday, May 9, 7:30-9:30pm; online viewing available May 23 beginning at 7:30pm. This concert is sponsored by Oregon Rises Above Hate.
Locally Sourced Sounds VII
The celebration continues in March with the return of one of our audience’s favorite events: Locally Sourced Sounds, featuring works by composers living and creating art among us. In-person concert: Monday, March 21, 7:30-9:30pm; online viewing available April 4 beginning at 7:30pm.
ReTurn
The season begins with a 30-year retrospective that highlights some of the most memorable music Fear No Music has brought into the world, including works by Shaun Naidoo, Giannis Papakrasas, Greg Youtz, Cynthia Gerdes, and Bonnie Miksch. This concert pays tribute to founders Jeff Payne, who curated this program, and Joel Bluestone, who will make an onstage appearance. In-person concert: Monday, October 25, 7:30-9:30pm; online viewing available November 8 beginning at 7:30pm.
Part 2
Concert Composers:
Torin Repasky
Kara Taylor
Haladar Wright
Max Evans-McGlothin
Jackson Grace
Joseph Young
Manu Isaacs
Aidan Bagby
Adrian Valenzuela
Margot Pullen
Rohan Srinivasan
Koharu Sakiyama
Part 1
Concert Composers:
Elaina Stuppler
Johann Mohnen
Isaac Dryfuse
Lillian Karns
Amir Avsker
Jason Hale
Jacob Grass
Liam Andrews
Skye Neal
Frazar Henry
Alejandro Belgique
Somesh Yatham