FirstWorks to Welcomg Philip Glass and Tim Fain in February

FirstWorks announced today that Philip Glass, the history-making American master composer, will perform his own compositions in "An Evening of Chamber Music" featuring violinist Tim Fain. The performance, taking place on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 7:30 P.M. at Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets) is part of FirstWorks' 2015 "Artistic Icons" series, presenting artists whose work has dramatically influenced the fields of music, dance and theatre. This rare appearance in Providence pairs Glass with rising star Tim Fain, one of the few soloists for whom Glass has ever composed.

Glass, who has been described as a composer who changed "the face of music for our time and all time" by The Daily Telegraph, shot to fame in the 1970s for composing austere, reductive music with repetitive patterns. Through his operas, symphonies, compositions for his own ensemble, and his collaborations with influential artists ranging from Twyla Thorpe to Allen Ginsberg, Woody Allen to David Bowie, Philip Glass has had an extraordinary and unprecedented impact upon the musical and intellectual life of his time. Influencing not just the way we hear, but the way we think-Glass is both the energetic center of the New York City music scene and a world-renowned artist.

As with all FirstWorks programs, Glass and Fain will also interact with local-area high school and university students through workshops and master classes in a multi-day FirstWorks Arts Learning residency. In addition to the February 25 concert at The Vets, public opportunities to engage with Glass will include an "Artist-Up-Close" conversation led by RISD Professor and Dean of Liberal Arts, Daniel Cavicchi, taking place at RISD Auditorium on Feb. 26, 2015 at 4:30 P.M. Glass will also be on-hand that evening to introduce the Brown University Orchestra in a concert featuring his compositions. Full residency details TBA.

"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. In his short career, Fain has emerged as a mesmerizing new presence on the music scene, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen and soundtrack performances in the 2010 film thriller, "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.

An Evening of Chamber Music Featuring Philip 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 compositions spanning decades, the program includes works created specifically for Fain. Glass and Fain will alternate between playing solos and duets, with Glass performing on piano on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 7:30 P.M. at Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The Vets). Tickets start at $38 and are available at first-works.org or 401-421-ARTS. Educators' discounts are available.

This intimate chamber music concert is the second of three FirstWorks 2015 "Artistic Icons" performances at The Vets. The series begins with Swiss mask group MUMMENSCHANZ on January 22, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. (tickets start at $28) 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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