Fall 2014 CORNISH PRESENTS Series to Include Jazz Concerts, Piano Soloists, and More

The Fall 2014 Cornish Presents series features the return of several fan favorites as well as many opportunities to hear jazz, chamber music, world music, and rarely performed works.

Three contemporary piano programs feature pianists Reinier van Houdt and Jonathan Powell. On Nov. 1, audiences will have a rare chance to hear Powell perform the reclusive composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji's eight-hour solo masterpiece for piano "Sequentia cyclica super Dies iræ." The work, presented in the intimate PONCHO Concert Hall will have two intermissions.

Chamber music concerts include Chicago-born violinist Tai Murray with British pianist Ashley Wass performing works by Schubert, Pärt, Debussy and Corigliano in October, and pianist Cristina Valdes, cellist David Requiro and violinist Michael Lim exploring piano trios by Beethoven, Brahms, Ives, and Garcia in November.

Musical theater lovers won't want to miss the Seattle premiere of "Liaisons: Re-imagining Sondheim from the Piano" on Nov. 13. This landmark project conceived by acclaimed concert pianist Anthony De Mare celebrates the songs of legendary composer Stephen Sondheim re-interpreted as piano solo works by contemporary composers.

World music fans can experience the beauty of Juita: Voice of Longing featuring Japanese shamisen master Hirokazu Fujii, the Hanoi-based Tri Minh Quartet, and audience perennial favorite Gamelan Pacifica.

Several of Seattle's renowned Early Music musicians will present an evening of baroque masterworks by Purcell, Handel and Lully on period instruments in November. This concert includes Byron Schenkman, Ingrid Matthews, Janet See, and Cyndia Seiden, among others.

In connection with the annual Earshot Jazz Festival, Cornish Presents offers eight different concerts this fall including The Johnaye Kendrick Quartet, Greg Osby Quartet, Lew Tabackin Trio | Ben Flocks Trio, Jacky Terrasson Trio, Barry Altschul Trio, Dave Liebman New Quintet, Hal Garper Trio, and the Miguel Zenón Quartet.

Most of the events occur at Cornish College's historic PONCHO Concert Hall at 710 East Roy Street in Seattle. Two concerts-"Liaisons: Sondheim from the Piano" and "Baroque Music for the Theater: Purcell, Lully, and Handel"-take place at the Cornish Playhouse, 201 Mercer Street, at the Seattle Center.

Ticket prices vary by event, ranging from $20 to $30 for general admission to $10 to $15 for students or seniors. Free parking is available for the PONCHO Concert Hall events.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.cornish.edu/presents or brownpapertickets.com.

Every year, many of the artists who visit Seattle for the Cornish Present series also take the time to give a master class in their specialty. These classes are free and open to the public.

Master classes this fall include guitarist Mordy Ferber, jazz pianist Amina Figarova, composer and pianist Sumi Tonooka, pianist Jacky Terrasson, tenor saxophonist Greg Osby, jazz drummer Barry Altschul, electronic music pioneer Gordon Mumma, renowned soprano saxophonist Dave Liebman, the chamber musicians NOW Ensemble, and jazz vocalist and bassist Kristin Korb. Also included in the Fall master classes is lecture-demonstration and open rehearsal (Sept. 19) conducted by Yannick Matthon into Crystal Pite's rehearsal and choreographic process for "Dark Matters."

Contemporary Piano I
Reinier van Houdt
September 7 at 7 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Virtuoso Dutch pianist Reinier van Houdt celebrates the last 50 years of contemporary piano repertoire in a concert featuring seldom-performed works by Sorabji, Ferrari, and Marchetti. This performance in Seattle currently is his only West Coast stop for his 2014 solo tour. "Van Houdt pulls off any number of technical highwire acts and his technique highlights a remarkable evenness of tone and touch." - Toronto Star

Jiuta: Voice of Longing
September 21 at 7 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Master shamisen player Hirokazu Fujii performs jiuta, considered one of the most distinctive styles of music in the pleasure quarters of Kyoto and Osaka. He originally learned the shamisen under the supervision of his grandmother, the founder of Ginmeikai School. Passionate about sharing the beauty of jiuta, he performs regularly on TV and radio, and has toured the United States, Canada and Europe.

Tai Murray
October 8 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

The African-American violinist Tai Murray and British pianist Ashley Wass perform works by Schubert, Pärt, Debussy and Corigliano. The Telegraph noted Murray, a BBC New Generation Artist (2008-10), plays "with an extraordinary burnished tone and searching intelligence" while Ebony magazine has called her "Classical Music's A-List Sister."

Tri Minh Quartet
October 12 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

The Hanoi-based Tri Minh Quartet mixes traditional Vietnamese music with a contemporary experimental aesthetic. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Johnaye Kendrick Quartet
October 16 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Seattle jazz vocalist Johnaye Kendrick celebrates the release of her new album "Here" with her quartet. An Associate Professor of Jazz Voice at Cornish College of the Arts, Kendrick has toured extensively with the Nicholas Payton SEXTET, sung with the Ellis Marsalis Quartet and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and appeared in numerous jazz festivals and concerts. Her debut album "Here" features 12 of Kendrick's original compositions.

Lew Tabackin Trio | Ben Flocks Trio
October 19 at 7:30 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Flocks, currently based out of Brooklyn, is heavily influenced by Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, and John Coltrane, while his own music is a mix of jazz, blues, folk and Americana. Tabackin, flautist and tenor saxophonist, developed an interest in music at a young age, eventually moving to New York where he performed with Don Friedman, Cab Calloway, Joe Henderson, Chuck Israels and more. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Jacky Terrasson Trio
October 22 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Renowned French pianist and 1993 Thelonious Monk Piano Competition winner Jacky Terrasson performs with his trio. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Greg Osby Quartet
October 23 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Veteran saxophonist Greg Osby, regarded for his insightful approach to composition and performance, takes the stage with his quartet. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Barry Altschul Trio
October 25 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Legendary free-jazz drummer Barry Altschul performs with his trio. Altschul formed the 1970's avant-garde jazz ensemble Circle with Chick Corea, Dave Holland and Anthony Braxton. Now, he is performing original compositions under The 3Dom Factor, which also includes Jon Irabagon on tenor saxophone and Joe Fonda on double bass. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Contemporary Piano II
Jonathan Powell
October 28 at 7 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

In the first of two contemporary piano performances for Cornish Presents, British pianist Jonathan Powell plays the works by Sorabji, Albeniz and Szymanowski. "Powell's achievement was not just that he played the work with flawless virtuosity throughout - though a stupendous accomplishment in itself ... More importantly, he made the work's improbable external dimensions fall away, so that the entire thing could resound as music." - Martin Anderson, International Piano.

Dave Liebman New Quintet
October 30 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Soprano saxophonist, flautist, and NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman performs with his quintet. With a career spanning more than 40 years, Liebman has played with Miles Davis, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, and more, and has been featured on more than 500 recordings. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Contemporary Piano III
Sequentia cyclica super Dies irae
November 1 at 2 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

In the second of two appearances at Cornish Presents, British pianist Jonathan Powell performs the reclusive composer Kaikhosru Shapurji Sorabji's eight-hour masterpiece "Sequentia cyclica super Dies irae" (1948). This work will be performed with two audience intermissions. "Over the past decade there has been something of a growing cult around Sorabji, who died in 1988....the sun is gradually rising over the extraordinarily rich and complex worlds he created." - Steven Poole, The Guardian.

Hal Garper Trio
November 4 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Veteran bebop pianist Hal Galper is joined by Seattle drummer John Bishop and bassist Jeff Johnson for a night of "furious rubato." The trio explores standards, originals, and group improvisation to create a dynamic snapshot of modern jazz. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Miguel Zenón Quartet
November 10 at 8 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Puerto Rico born saxophonist and MacArthur fellow Miguel Zenón performs with his quartet. He is a member of the SFJAZZ Collective, is a multiple Grammy Award nominee, and founded the Caravana Cultural program in 2011 to present free jazz concerts in rural areas of Puerto Rico. Co-presented with the Earshot Jazz Festival.

Liaisons: Re-imagining Sondheim from the Piano
November 13 at 8 p.m.
Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center

Liaisons began in 2012 when contemporary pianist Anthony de Mare asked composers to "re-imagine" legendary musical theater composer Stephen Sondheim's songs as solo works for piano. Since then, Liaisons has toured to multiple cities and has been recorded, all to rave reviews. "Liaisons is a revelation... a delightful recital with an exuberant close. De Mare's playing was superb throughout..."- Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle.

Baroque Music for the Theater: Purcell, Lully, and Handel
November 16 at 7 p.m.
Cornish Playhouse at Seattle Center

Cornish's Early Music faculty members Byron Schenkman, Ingrid Matthews, Janet See, Cyndia Seiden, and others present an evening of baroque masterworks by Purcell, Handel and Lully on period instruments. As Melinda Bargreen of the Seattle Times says about these performers whenever they gather together: "Expect musical fireworks."

The Piano Trio: Classic to Contemporary
November 23 at 7 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

Pianist Cristina Valdes, cellist David Requiro and violinist Michael Lim explore piano trios by Beethoven, Brahms, Ives, and Garcia. An adjunct instructor at Cornish College of the Arts, Valdes is known for presenting innovative concerts and has toured extensively with the Bang On a Can "All Stars" as well as performing with the Seattle Chamber Players, the Mabou Mines Theater Company, the Parsons Dance Company, Antares and Trio V.

Gamelan Pacifica
December 7 at 7 p.m.
PONCHO Concert Hall

A favorite for more than 30 years, the adventurous Javanese gamelan ensemble Gamelan Pacifica is under the direction of noted composer and Cornish College of the Arts Professor Jarrad Powell. "With an air of timelessness, Gamelan Pacifica has done an unparalleled job of taking gamelan music to new heights, while remaining respectful to the roots and cultural significance of its instruments." - SOMA Magazine

CORNISH PRESENTS: MASTER CLASSES

All the following master classes are free and open to any interested artist or member of the public. No tickets are required, but space may be limited and arriving early is recommended.

Reinier van Houdt, September 8 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Pianist Reinier van Houdt presents a master class featuring Cornish piano students.

Mordy Ferber, September 11 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Veteran jazz guitarist Mordy Ferber presents a master class with Cornish jazz guitarists.

Amina Figarova, September 16 at 1 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Jazz pianist and composer Amina Figarova presents a master class offering insights into her singular style.

Crystal Pite "Dark Matters" Restaging Residency
Lecture/Demonstration, September 19 at 12 p.m. at PONCHO Concert Hall
Open Rehearsal from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Kerry Hall Dance Studios
Gain insight into choreographer Crystal Pite's rehearsal and choreographic process through a lecture-demonstration and open rehearsal conducted by Yannick Matthon. "Dark Matters" will be performed in Cornish Dance Theater's Fall 2014 Concert.

Sumi Tonooka, September 30 at 1 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Jazz pianist and composer Sumi Tonooka presents a master class.

Tai Murray, October 9 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Superb young violinist Tai Murray presents a master class.

Jacky Terrasson, October 22 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Renowned French jazz pianist Jacky Terrasson holds a master class.

Greg Osby, October 23 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Veteran tenor saxophonist Greg Osby presents a master class.

Barry Altschul, October 24 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
The legendary free-jazz drummer Barry Altschul presents a master class.

Dave Liebman, October 30 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Saxophonist, flautist, and NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman presents a master class.

Jonathan Powell, October 31 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
British pianist Jonathan Powell presents a master class.

NOW Ensemble, Tuesday, November 4 at 1 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
The vibrant performers and composers that make up the NOW Ensemble present a master class.

Kristin Korb, Wednesday, November 12 at 12 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Jazz vocalist and bassist Kristin Korb presents a master class.

Gordon Mumma, November 18 at 1 p.m., PONCHO Concert Hall
Composer and electronic music pioneer Gordon Mumma, known for his work in collaboration with John Cage and Merce Cunningham, presents a lecture/demonstration featuring highlights from his long career.

For additional information, visit www.cornish.edu/presents.

For more than 30 years, Cornish Presents, formerly known as the Cornish Music Series, has introduced Seattle audiences to rising stars and Seattle premieres as well as established masters in world music, jazz, chamber music, and more. Artists in the community also are invited to take part in a variety of free master classes provided by visiting artists and Cornish College faculty.

Begun in 1914, Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA, offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Art, Dance, Design, Performance Production and Theater, a Bachelor of Music degree and an Artist Diploma in Early Music. Since its beginning, the College's founder Nellie Cornish, and the many teaching artists who followed her, believed in education through exposure to all the arts. This approach continues to inform the College's curriculum and community involvement today. The College is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. For more information, please visit www.Cornish.edu.

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