David Felder's "Les Quatre Temps Cardinaux"

The premiere is the focal point of a two-day program that marks the start of a new university tradition called the Signature Series, which President Satish K. Tripathi has introduced to celebrate UB's legacy of innovation and distinction in arts and letters.

An internationally acclaimed composer of contemporary music, David Felder has long been recognized as a leader in his generation of American composers. His works are known for their highly energetic profile, lyrical qualities and for his use of technological extension and elaboration of musical materials. Felder is SUNY Distinguished Professor and Birge-Cary Chair in Composition at UB.

“Les Quatre Temps Cardinaux” is a complex song cycle for two solo voices, a 35-piece orchestra and twelve channels of electronics. Commissioned in 2011 for the Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress, “Les Quatre” is dedicated to the memory of Serge and Natalie Koussevitzky. The work was composed from fall 2011 through spring 2013, and was written for Ensemble Signal, The Boston Modern Orchestra Project and the Slee Sinfonietta, and for singers Laura Aikin and Ethan Herschenfeld. Additional support was provided by the Robert and Carol Morris Center for 21st Century Music at UB, the Cameron Baird Foundation, the Birge-Cary Chair at UB, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

MONDAY, APRIL 22

2—3:30 PM
Open rehearsal of "Les Quatre"
Open to the public, RSVP requested
Lippes Concert Hall

Join music enthusiasts from UB, other local colleges and schools, and the community as the composer, conductor, vocalists, and ensemble allow the public to observe one of the final rehearsals of "Les Quatre" prior to its world premiere.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23

1—2 PM
Luncheon Dialogue: “Inside the Making of ‘Les Quatre Temps Cardinaux’”
Open to the public, registration limited to 60, RSVP required
Slee Lobby

Composer David Felder and others involved in the premiere will hold a lunchtime discussion of the process of bringing "Les Quatre" from conception to fruition. A complimentary light lunch will be provided for all registered participants.

3:30—5 PM
"Textural Signatures": A Panel Discussion
Open to the public, RSVP requested
Baird 250

Faculty and students from the departments of English, Music, and Theatre and Dance, joined by the biographer of poet René Daumal (whose poetry is musically interpreted in "Les Quatre"), will explore the relationship between texts and the arts, with attention to the particular poems featured in Professor Felder's composition.

5:30—6:45 PM
Pre-concert reception, sponsored by University at Buffalo Alumni Association
Ticketed event limited to 100, RSVP required
Black Box Theater, Center for the Arts

Gather with others prior to the premiere for drinks and hors d'oeuvres, with remarks by E. Bruce Pitman, Dean of UB's College of Arts and Sciences, and composer David Felder (schedule permitting). Reception cost includes admission to the 7pm concert.

Single Ticket: $30; $25 for UBAA members.
Pair of Tickets: $55; $45 for UBAA members.

7—8:45 PM
Concert
Lippes Concert Hall, Slee Hall

The Slee Sinfonietta presents The Signal Ensemble:

   •  Brad Lubman, conductor
   •  Laura Aikin, soprano
   •  Ethan Herschenfeld, bass-baritone

Program features the world premiere of David Felder's “Les Quatre Temps Cardinaux,” preceded by a performance of Felder's percussion concerto "Tweener."

Advance tickets: $12/$9/$5
Door: $20/$15/$8
Admission is free for UB students with a student ID