SoundExchange is a program designed to bring leading composers and performers representing the most influential and distinct stylistic schools of our time to Philadelphia. The visiting artists conduct workshops for and with local composers and performers to present master performances and symposia for the Philadelphia Chapter membership and the general public. The pilot SoundExchange was successfully completed in 2007 (with Dr. Pauline Oliveros). The most recent installment took place in October 2008 with world-renowned new music bassoonist Pascal Gallois. Mr. Gallois is a staunch advocate of new music and a pioneer in the realm of new technical possibilities for the bassoon. His compositional insight is derived from collaborations with notable composers including the late Luciano Berio.
The Philadelphia Chapter is pleased to offer its members and constituents educational opportunities that also involve direct contact with internationally respected professionals. Like all of the Chapter’s core programs, SoundExchange fills a particular niche. ACF Philadelphia recognizes that visiting artists from outside of Philadelphia will create excitement and provide inspiration within the artistic community.
Pascal Gallois - October 2008
Bassoonist Pascal Gallois engaged the Philadelphia community in a series of three events on October 30th and 31st of 2008 at the Boyer College of Music, Temple University. Pascal Gallois began his visit with a concert of music by contemporary composers from around the world. Pianist Charles Abramovic also performed on the program, which included challenging repertoire by composers: Olga Neuwirth, Phillippe Hersant, Yoshihisa Taira, Gyorgy Kurtag, and Bruno Mantovani. The feature presentation was Luciano Berio’s Sequenza XII for bassoon, a landmark composition for the instrument. The concert was filmed by WHYY for their On Canvas television series and was broadcast on April 1st and 5th as well as June 10th and June 14th for TV12 and the Y Arts channel. To watch this concert, click here.
The second event of SoundExchange 2008 was a master class for the bassoon. Mr. Gallois covered advanced techniques in great detail including demonstrations of alternate fingerings, embrochure, and circular breathing to list only a few. Musicality on the instrument was stressed and the techniques were revealed to allow greater freedom and flexibility in the performance of music both old and new. Overall the master class was useful for both composers and performers.
The third and final event was a recital of compositions for solo bassoon and various combinations of flute, piano, and cello. Area composers were invited to apply for the opportunity in the spring of 2008. Nine composers were selected to have their music performed:
- Julia Alford-Fowler
- David Carpenter
- Paul Epstein
- Joseph Hallman
- Chuck Holdeman
- Heidi Jacob
- Emiliano Pardo-Tristan
- Melissa Pausina
- Geoffrey Peterson