American Music Festival: Cuong, Theofanidis & Assad

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David Alan Miller, conductor
Daniel Matsukawa, Bassoon
Sandbox Percussion

The concert
This program brings the Albany Symphony American Music Festival to a thrilling close with an evening dedicated entirely to the voices of today’s composers. From bold world premieres to vibrant new concert works, the concert celebrates the creativity and diversity shaping American music right now.

Led by Music Director David Alan Miller, the orchestra is joined by acclaimed bassoonist Daniel Matsukawa and the dynamic ensemble Sandbox Percussion. Together they premiere new works by Viet Cuong and Christopher Theofanidis, present Clarice Assad’s Terra concerto, and showcase new America250 commissions by Brittney Benton, Jihyun Kim, and Max Vinetz.

Whether you’re drawn by the excitement of world premieres, the artistry of extraordinary guest performers, or the energy of music being heard for the very first time, this festival finale promises an unforgettable celebration of American music today.

The Program
- CLARICE ASSAD: Terra, Concerto for Bassoon & Orchestra
- CHRISTOPHER THEOFANIDIS: Drum Circles
- VIET CUONG: Concentric Circles
- BRITTNEY BENTON: With Liberty and Justice For All?
- MAX VINETZ: This isn’t working

The Experience
Settle into the striking architecture and acoustics of EMPAC in Troy and experience the excitement of new music coming to life. As the grand finale of the Albany Symphony’s American Music Festival, this concert offers the rare opportunity to hear multiple premieres performed by world-class musicians in one of the region’s most innovative concert spaces.

About the artists

Daniel Matsukawa
Daniel Matsukawa has been principal bassoon of The Philadelphia Orchestra since 2000. He is on faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University and is Music Director of the Independence Sinfonia Orchestra. He studied at Juilliard and Curtis and has performed and soloed with orchestras around the world. He also serves on various advisory boards and has been a juror for major international competitions.

Sandbox Percussion
GRAMMY®-nominated Sandbox Percussion champions living composers and contemporary chamber music. Founded by Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Ian Rosenbaum, and Terry Sweeney, the ensemble has performed worldwide at venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and has appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk and TED. Their recordings and projects include collaborations with living composers and work for film.

Clarice Assad
Grammy-nominated composer, pianist, vocalist, and educator Clarice Assad has created more than 130 works for major institutions. Her music has been recorded by Yo-Yo Ma and others, and her album Archetypes earned two Grammy nominations in 2022. She is Composer-in-Residence with the Allentown Symphony and is based in Chicago.

Christopher Theofanidis
Christopher Theofanidis’s music has been performed by leading orchestras and arts organizations worldwide. He is a two-time GRAMMY® nominee and his Viola Concerto won the 2021 Grammy for Best Instrumental Solo. He coordinates composition programs at Yale University and the Aspen Music Festival.

Viet Cuong
Viet Cuong’s music has been performed on six continents by ensembles including the New York Philharmonic and Eighth Blackbird. His eclectic output ranges from concerti to chamber works using unconventional sounds. He is the Pacific Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence and Assistant Professor of Music Composition at UNLV.

Brittney Benton
Brittney Benton’s music is driven by storytelling and imagery. She holds degrees from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Yale School of Music. Her works have been performed by a variety of ensembles, and she has won awards including Chicago a Capella’s Her Voice Competition.

Max Vinetz
Max Vinetz composes at the intersection of improvisatory, popular, and classical forms. He has received commissions and awards from organizations including the Fromm Foundation and the Library of Congress, and his music has been featured at numerous festivals.

Practical information
- Pre-concert talk with Music Director David Alan Miller at 6:30pm; arrive early to attend.

Parking, accessibility & shuttle information
- Parking: The main entrance and box office are on the east (campus) side of the building. Free parking is available in the College Avenue parking garage adjacent to Cogswell Laboratory. All parking is free on nights and weekends in the City of Troy.
- GPS address for parking garage: 67 College Ave, Troy, NY 12180
- Please note: There is no elevator access to the Concert Hall from the 8th Avenue entrance.
- Accessibility: Large-print programs and assistive listening devices are available upon request; ask an usher or staff member for more information.
- Shuttle: Round-trip transportation from Delmar is $20. To reserve a spot, call the box office at (518) 694-3300 ext. 2.

Tickets are on sale now.