For Immediate Release
Contact: April Thibeault
212.861.0990
Boston, MA (November 1, 2011)

The Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP), the nation’s premier orchestra dedicated exclusively to commissioning, performing, and recording new orchestral music, today announced the programming for its 2011-12 season. By harnessing internationally-acclaimed composers and regional talent, BMOP presents a nine concerts ranging from intimate, chamber-centric shows to full orchestral premieres at Jordan Hall.

According to BMOP’s Artistic Director/Conductor Gil Rose, BMOP’s 16th season offers a glittering menu for all musical tastes. “Whether you’re a fan of intense, evening-length works such as Tan Dun’s ‘Water Passion after Saint Matthew’ or a supporter of up-and-coming artists like Grammy-nominated mandolinist Avi Avital, BMOP will sate any musical appetite this season.” Some season highlights include: the world premiere of Eric Chasalow’s Horn Concerto; William Bolcom’s Medusa with special guest Janna Baty (mezzo-soprano); and Luciano Berio’s Chemins II with violist Jack Stulz, winner of the annual BMOP/NEC Concerto Competition.

Helping steer BMOP is its new 2011-13 Composer-in-Residence Andrew Norman. A composer of chamber and orchestral music and a committed educator, Andrew will host BMOP's pre-concert talks, curate the Club Concert series, and mentor young composers in local high schools and colleges.

For a complete schedule, see below or visit http://www.bmop.org.

Orchestral Performances @ Jordan Hall:
BMOP continues to wow audiences with its robust programming of orchestral concerts at Jordan Hall (30 Gainsborough Street, Boston). Kick-starting the 2011-12 season is a nod to our friendly neighbor to the north, Canada. On November 20th, BMOP will perform four pieces by composers who are of French Canadian descent.

NOV 20 – “True North: Canadian Composers” feat. works by Kati Agocs, Colin McPhee, Michael Colgrass + Claude Vivier

JAN 27 – “Strange Bedfellows: Unexpected Concertos” feat. works by Andrew Norman, Luciano Berio, Keeril Makan, Avner Dorman + Eric Chasalow w/ guest performances by Dalit Warshaw (Theremin), Jack Stulz (viola), Seth Josel (electric guitar), Grammy-nominated Avi Avital (mandolin) + Bruno Schneider (horn)

APR 6 – “Water Passion” feat. Tan Dun’s Water Passion after Saint Matthew

MAY 18 – “Apollo’s Fire” feat. works by Nikos Skalkottas, Igor Stravinsky, William Bolcom + Lewis Spratlan w/ guest performance by Janna Baty (mezzo soprano)

BMOP “Club Concert” Series:
BMOP returns to Club Oberon at Harvard Square (2 Arrow Street, Cambridge) for three cabaret-style performances of new music. BMOP's Club Concert series takes today's classical music to alternative locations. These concerts are unique; nowhere else in Boston can audiences experience new music at a modern venue with a rock vibe. Without concert hall formality, audiences can interact with each other and the musicians on stage.
DEC 6 – Curated by Gil Rose feat. music by Anthony Davis + George Lewis
MAR 5 – Curated by Ken Ueno feat. music by Ueno, Takemitsu + Hosokawa
APR 29 – Curated by Keeril Makan feat. music TBD

Pair of Free Fromm Concerts @ Harvard:

Presented by the Fromm Music Foundation at Harvard, BMOP performs a pair of free concerts at Harvard’s Paine Hall (Music Building - 2nd Floor, Cambridge) the weekend of MAR 30-31. For the third time, BMOP hops over the Charles and becomes the Fromm Players performing American contemporary music of the last 50 years. The Fromm Foundation, based at Harvard since 1972, funds commissions from many of the 20th century’s most distinguished composers. The BMOP program will include works by Charles Wuorinen, Gerard Grisey, Jonathan Harvey, Kaija Saariaho, Alvin Lucier, and Roger Reynolds, and special guest appearances by Michael Norsworthy (clarinet), and Gabriela Diaz (violin).

MAR 30 – John Knowles Paine Hall, Harvard University
MAR 31 – John Knowles Paine Hall, Harvard University

2011-12 Composer - in - Residence Andrew Norman
BMOP is proud to announce that New York-based composer Andrew Norman (b. 1979) will be in residence for two years beginning in October 2011. BMOP was one of five orchestras nation-wide selected for an extended Music Alive residency, a program of Meet the Composer and the American Symphony Orchestra League.

A composer of chamber and orchestral music, Andrew is often noted for his works’ clarity, vigor, and wit. His pieces have been commissioned and premiered by the Minnesota Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Aspen Music Festival, Des Moines Symphony, New York Youth Symphony, and Grand Rapids Symphony, to name a few. He most recently finished a two-year term as Composer-in-Residence for Young Concert Artists.

His experience in educational outreach and activities will serve as a huge asset for BMOP. Andrew held educational residencies across the country including Colorado’s Roaring Fok Valley schools, Pasadena Conservatory, and Des Moines Symphony Academy.