Urban Birds Live

PROGRAM

Christopher Adler: Ash Throated Flycatcher

Jason Barabba: Crow Language

Vera Ivanova: Mockingbird Hopscotch

Veronika Krausas: California Towhee

Pamela Madsen: Owl’s Breath

Kenji Oh: Red Shouldered Hawk

Brandon Rolle: Call and Echo

Diana Wade: Psychopomp

Dante DeSilva: Heat Thrasher

Jen Wang: Monster

PERFORMERS

Christopher ADLER, khaen

Sean BARELA, bassoon

Rachel BEETZ, flute

Jennifer BEWERSE, cello

Xenia DEVIATKINA-LOH, violin

Luc KLEINER, voice

Cassia STREB, viola

Robert WALKER, oboe

Brian WALSH, clarinet

Scott WORTHINGTON, contrabass

Synchromy commissioned ten pieces from Southern California-based composers inspired by common local birds. Premiere performances will take place amongst the trees of the Children’s Garden at the Audubon Center. Visitors will have an experience similar to bird watching: wandering the beautiful ground, stumbling upon performances in unexpected places.

Viewers looking for a more interactive experience will enjoy our field guide to the featured birds and Q and A with the composers. Younger viewers will find instructions for making binoculars and bird-calls using materials found around the house, such as toilet paper tubes, rubber bands, and clothespins, which they can try out at home after this inspiring performance.

Nestled amongst ponds, trails, and gardens, the Audubon Center is a wonderful place for all Angelenos to search for birds and other native wildlife. Synchromy’s project allows audiences to explore this center and its natural inhabitants, as well as its temporary musical ones. The park is newly renovated and freshly reopened, so this will be an exploration even for those familiar with the park.

This performance was made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and the California Arts Council.

— Programme notes courtesy of Synchromy's website