Dal Niente Presents: Ammie Brod, Viola

When Dal Niente violist Ammie Brod came across a sculpture by glass artist Beth Lipman, whose sensual, sparkling works evoke longing, ephemerality, and inevitable decay, she had the inspiration for a solo concert: She sent a picture of the work to four composers and asked them each to write her a piece centered around the theme of “memento mori:” life is fleeting, and transition to another state is inevitable.

On December 9 at Constellation Chicago, Brod will premiere these new works for solo viola, all written with and for her, by Alejandro T. Acierto, Lisa Atkinson, Jacob Sudol, LJ White, and Katherine Pukinskis. On December 13, she will give the second performance of these works at the venue that inspired them: the Milwaukee Art Museum. 

The most unpredictable world premiere on the program will be Alejandro T. Acierto’s Here, where we continually arrive: Acierto’s electronics will create on-the-fly material in response to realtime usage of the Twitter hashtag #LGBTQ, which violist Ammie Brod in turn will respond to. The piece places the performer and creator inside of a queer reality, controlled by and in concert with the real-world discussion of a community that constantly fights against erasure.

Program (all will be Wisconsin premieres)

Katherine Pukinskis, Quiet Threnody (2015) for solo viola

LJ White, Look After You (2018) for solo viola

Lisa Atkinson, (te) salve (2018) for solo viola

Alejandro Acierto Here, where we continually arrive (2018) for viola and electronics

Jacob Sudol, after parting – 在離去之後 (2018) for viola, voice, clarinet, electronics

About Ensemble Dal Niente

“Superb” - The New York Times

Ensemble Dal Niente performs new and experimental chamber music with dedication, virtuosity, and an exploratory spirit. Now in its second decade, the Chicago-based ensemble produces concerts as singular experiences—as cultural breeding grounds where new art can grow and listeners can explore. Audiences coming to Dal Niente shows can expect performances that are curated to pique curiosity and connect art, culture, and people. To find out more, go to www.dalniente.com.