Penn Composer’s Forum

Regarded as “one of the most prominent ensembles in the United States practicing truly experimental music” (I Care If You Listen), TAK delivers energetic performances "that combine crystalline clarity with the disorienting turbulence of a sonic vortex” (The WIRE), and “impresses with the organicity of their sound, their dynamism and virtuosity” (New Sounds, WQXR).  

The PRISM Quartet self-produces recordings for its own label, XAS Records, distributed worldwide by Naxos of America. This session covers everything from developing thematic recording concepts to artwork/design, distribution, and PR/marketing strategies. The session also addresses the role of the executive producer and fundraising for recording projects.

This session is part of the PRISM Quartet Institute (PQI), an innovative program (online-only during the pandemic) through which the PRISM Quartet partners with cultural and educational organizations worldwide to share knowledge the group has accumulated in our 36 years together—all for the benefit of aspiring artists. PQI is offering seminars, interactive workshops, and classes under four separate tracks: Teaching and Pedagogy; Business and Entrepreneurship; Recording and Technology; and Composition.

Matthew Shlomowitz will discuss ways he sets up a quasi-theatrical scenario through music and sound, without recourse to image or text, in his recent composition Graveyard and Slot (with guest appearance). In advance, you can look at a performance of the work given by Ensemble Nikel at the 2020 edition of the Warsaw Autumn Festival.