SoundExchange brings internationally respected composers and performers from around the world representing distinct stylistic schools to Philadelphia for educational programs (master classes, workshops) and public performances. Both composers and the public engage with a featured guest artist as well as additional guest artists and performers in the exploration of a given theme.

The most recent SoundExchange project 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. Descriptions of this and other past SoundExchange projects are listed below.

Each SoundExchange project is unique and has a limited amount of participant opportunities (concert programming, lessons, workshops, etc). While direct participation in hands-on activities with guest artists is finite, nearly all SoundExchange events are open to the public.

Individual composers and musicians in the Philadelphia region are eligible to apply. Applicants need not be members of the American Composers Forum to apply; however, artists who are selected as participants must become ACF members and remain ACF members for the duration of the project. To join ACF online, visit www.composersforum.org/join.cfm

James Falconi, Program Manager, james@acfphiladelphia.org

Past SoundExchange projects have been made possible with generous support from: Argosy Contemporary Music Fund, Philadelphia Music Project, and William Penn Foundation.

Currently, there is no SoundExchange project planned for 2011 - 2012

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, filmed by WHYY for their On Canvas television series, was broadcast April 1, 5, and June 10, 14 on TV12 and the Y Arts channel. Watch the concert and interview on the WHYY website.

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, and Geoffrey Peterson. Cynthia Folio (flute), Charles Abramovic (piano), and Jason Calloway (cello) joined Pascal Gallois in the performance, which took place on October 31st. This recital of music by Philadelphia Chapter members can now be heard on the New Music Philadelphia Webcast.

The 2007 followup showcased Pauline Oliveros with Ione, Roscoe Mitchell, and Samir Chatterjee. Similar in design to the pilot project, this one involved a residency with Dr. Pauline Oliveros, five workshops, and two concert presentations at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The project included the participation of 12 local performers and four local composers: Paula Diehl, Troy Herion, Dustin Hurt, and Paul Pinto, who each received a world premiere performance and recording of their respective composition.

The project commenced on January 20, 2007 with an introductory workshop held at the Philadelphia Ethical Society and culminated in two performances which were given on April 20 and April 22, 2007. During the three month interim period, ACF Philadelphia held five workshops which allowed the four composers to work with the performers and craft new musical works which are inspired by the practice of Deep Listening; a method which was pioneered by Dr. Oliveros and represents a significant school of contemporary musical aesthetic.

SoundExchange 2007 was made possible by a grant from the Philadelphia Music Project, a program of the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by The University of the Arts. Curatorial and presenting assistance provided by Ars Nova Workshop.

2007 SoundExchange Concert Brochure
2007 SoundExchange Postcard