Joan La Barbara’s WoolfSong, an opera-in-progress, explores the creative process as it is revealed by a solitary figure, the writer Virginia Woolf, and the characters she brings forth from her mind. As they materialize, she sketches and redefines them, with each stroke delving deeper into the labyrinth of their psyches.
WoolfSong is performed by Ne(x)tworks, artists-in-residence at IRP for Spring 2006. Ne(x)tworks (formerly Open Aspects Ensemble) is a collaborative ensemble of performing composers based in New York City. Formed in June 2002, the group continues the maverick tradition in American music of creating and interpreting work that blurs the distinctions between composition and improvisation. Ne(x)tworks’ repertoire encompasses an extraordinary range of aesthetics, including works by composers of the New York School and idiosyncratic new works from artists within the ensemble.
special guests:
Grethe Barrett Holby - Director
Mimi Lien - Set/Design
Jane Comfort - Choreographer/Performer
Jessica Anthony - Dancer/Singer
Leslie Cuyjet - Dancer/Singer
Lisa Niedermeyer - Dancer/Singer
Ansel Elgort - Singer
Leighanne Saltsman - Soprano
Sycil Mathai - trumpet
Ne(x)tworks:
Joan La Barbara - Voice/Electronics
Kenji Bunch - viola
Yves Dharmraj - Cello
Cornelius Dufallo - Violin
Stephen Gosling - Piano
Ariana Kim - Violin
Chris McIntyre - Trombone/Electronics