FirstWorks to Welcome Philip Glass, 2/25

FirstWorks announces that Philip Glass, the iconic American composer, will come to Providence for a special performance and a series of intimate conversations with local audiences and students. Along with celebrated solo violinist Tim Fain, Glass will perform his own compositions in "An Evening of Chamber Music" on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets). The following day, Glass will be part of a free, FirstWorks Artist-Up-Close "Creative Conversation" on creativity and collaboration - an exceptional opportunity to learn from this extraordinarily influential composer. In addition, during their time in Providence, Glass and Fain will interact with local high school students through a FirstWorks Arts Learning residency. Tickets to the evening's performance start at $38. A $78 Premium Ticket package includes a pre-show champagne toast with Glass, select Golden Circle seating, and reserved seating at the February 26 Creative Conversation. Educators' discounts are also available. Prices include $3 restoration fee. Details are available at first-works.org or 401-421-ARTS.

Glass' rare visit to Providence is part of the FirstWorks 2015 Artistic Icons series, presenting artists whose work has dramatically influenced the fields of music, dance and theatre. Described by The Daily Telegraph as a composer who changed "the face of music for our time and all time," Philip Glass gained notoriety thanks to his groundbreaking compositions in the 1970s, going on to work with luminaries ranging from Twyla Tharp to David Bowie, and continues to have an extraordinary and unprecedented impact on our musical and intellectual life. Influencing not just the way we hear, but also the way we think, Glass is part of the energetic center of the New York City music scene and an internationally respected artist. FirstWorks is delighted to provide local audiences with the unique opportunity to witness Glass perform in person.

"An Evening of Chamber Music Featuring Glass and Tim Fain" is a unique pairing of two artists at very different points in their careers. Highlighting their enormous generosity of spirit and featuring Glass' compositions that span decades, the program includes works created specifically for Fain. Glass and Fain will alternate between playing solos and duets, with Glass performing on piano. Paul Phillips, conductor of the Brown University Orchestra, will moderate a brief post-show FirstWorks Artist-Up-Close talk.

On Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 4:30 p.m., RISD Professor and Dean of Liberal Arts Daniel Cavicchi will moderate a FirstWorks Artist-Up-Close "Creative Conversation" between Glass and local audiences at the RISD Auditorium. The conversation will focus on creativity, collaboration, and multidisciplinary inspiration and will delve into the experience of a man who has teamed up with influential artists across a spectrum of genres. "It's been very important to me. I call it the engine of change," Glass said of the collaboration process. The event is free of charge, but space will be limited, so reservations are encouraged and can be made at first-works.org or by emailing annette@first-works.org.

As with all FirstWorks programs, Glass and Fain will also interact with local high school and university students through a FirstWorks Arts Learning residency. Glass will speak with students at the Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Pawtucket on Thursday, February 26 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The school's music director Scott Beauregard, recent winner of the Golden Apple Award from Rhode Island Dept. of Education, Hasbro and NBC10 will moderate. Fain will meet with students at Mount Pleasant High School in Providence on Wednesday, February 25 at 10:30 a.m., and give a talk moderated by Avi David, a Providence-area musician and Artist in Residence at the Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts.

"FirstWorks is thrilled to bring an experience to Providence audiences that would typically require a trip to a major metropolitan center like New York City," said FirstWorks Executive Artistic Director Kathleen Pletcher. "Glass is a game-changer - and we're introducing his intellect and artistry to our community on an intimate level."

Teaming up with Tim Fain, winner of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the two virtuosos have stunned audiences with their energetic, interactive performances. Fain, 35, met Glass during a tour of the composer's "Book of Longing," and the two shared an immediate affinity. After a short period of time, Fain has emerged as an enthralling new presence in the music scene, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen and soundtrack performances in the 2010 film "Black Swan;" and for giving voice through violin to the lead character in the 2013 film "12 Years a Slave," winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014.

This intimate chamber music concert is the second of three FirstWorks 2015 Artistic Icons series performances at The Vets. The series began with Swiss mask group MUMMENSCHANZ and concludes with an electrifying flamenco performance by Madrid-based Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca on March 27, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. (tickets start at $23) at The Vets, One Avenue of the Arts in Providence.

For season schedule and performance tickets, visit first-works.org.

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