Author Archives for PRISM Quartet
AboutPRISM Quartet
Matthew Levy has been hailed by the Saxophone Journal as “a complete virtuoso of the tenor saxophone” and by the New York Times for his “energetic and enlivening” performances. His music is highlighted on three PRISM recordings on Koch and innova. From 2000-2011, he served as Director of the Philadelphia Music Project at The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.
PRISM Quartet: FREE PREMIERES CONCERTS – 6/5 NYC, 6/6 Philly
With over 300 commissions to its credit, the groundbreaking PRISM Quartet presents a program of electrifying new works on June 5th at Christ & St. Steven's Church in NYC and June 6th at the Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Library in the Skyline Room. Admission is free. An RSVP is requred for NYC (save your spot now!). In Philly, just show up!
PRISM Quartet releases Jacob TV’s The Body of Your Dreams on XAS
The Body of Your Dreams by Dutch “avant pop” composer Jacob TV satirizes the American pursuit of bodily perfection by remixing a cheesy '90s television advertisement for a cutting-edge weight-loss product.
See Your Shadow set for 12/31 release on XAS
PRISM's founding tenor saxophonist Matthew Levy releases the world premiere recording of “See Your Shadow” by the Curtis Institute's Nick DiBerardino.
PRISM and Temple U Wind Symphony release Concerto Grosso by Wm. Bolcom on April 22 on BCM&D Records
PRISM Quartet joins forces with Temple University Wind Symphony under Dr. Patricia Cornett for an April 22 release of William Bolcom's Concerto Grosso for Saxophone Quartet on BCM&D Records, the label of Temple University Boyer College of Music & Dance.
Pueblito Viejo (single) set for April 8 release on XAS
Pueblito Viejo featuring music by José A. Morales and Roberto Saghini will be released as a single on April 8 on XAS Records, distributed worldwide by Symphonic and Naxos Music Library.
Forbidden Drive set for July 16 release as single, ahead of Aug. 13 release of full album, Heritage/Evolution Vol. 2
Forbidden Drive will be released as a single on July 16th in advance of PRISM's August 13th release of the full album, Heritage/Evolution, Vol. 2, featuring Ravi Coltrane, Joe Lovano, and Chris Potter.
A return to live concerts and premieres in 2021-22, with your support
As the PRISM Quartet plans for live concerts after more than a year of lockdown, we're happy to share the lineup of composers whose works we'll premiere on our concert series, touring programs, and in recordings on our XAS label.
Seven New Releases on XAS Records
The PRISM Quartet announces the release of seven new recordings in the coming year on XAS Records. With the cancellation or postponement of its live concerts through the summer, and perhaps beyond, the Quartet is recommitting to its mission by giving voice to the many composers and performing artists with whom it has worked in recent years. New recordings include four albums by the full ensemble, and three solo releases by PRISM members Timothy McAllister, Matthew Levy, and Zachary Shemon.
April and May Concerts Postponed / Surfaces and Essences Set for April 17 Release
PRISM Quartet performances through May have been postponed until next season (dates TBA) in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Mending Wall postponed
We’re sorry to inform you that performances of Mending Wall at Bryn Mawr College (March 21-22) and Roulette (March 23) ...
Countdown to Mending Wall, March 2020
PRISM is excited to co-present Mending Wall with Bryn Mawr College (March 21 and 22) and Roulette (March 23). This ...
The Body of Your Dreams Video
We're happy to share a new video of the PRISM Quartet performing The Body of Your Dreams by Dutch composer JacobTV, called “the Andy Warhol of new music.” In The Body, Jacob satirically sets an infomercial for the Abtronic slimming belt (“It's German-engineered...easy and effective. And no sweat!”).
Waveguide Model I Video
VIDEO RELEASE of WAVEGUIDE MODEL I: One of PRISM's most adventurous projects, with music by Dan Trueman and interactive video environment by Mark DeChiazza, co-presented with Drexel Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.
PRISM Quartet News
Read the latest installment of PRISM’s newsletter which covers our March 3 performance with jazz trombone great Michael Dease in Michigan; June 2 and 3 concerts of world premieres in Philly and NYC; new releases on Orange Mountain Music and XAS Records; the February 28 YouTube premiere of The Anchoress; a new Grammy Award for Quartet member Tim McAllister, and more.
PRISM Quartet News
Read the latest installment of PRISM’s newsletter, which covers the Quartet's recent appearance with Branford Marsalis at the World Sax Congress in Croatia, names Emily Cooley the winner of the inaugural Robert Capanna Commissioning Award, and showcases new videos of PRISM with Tyshawn Sorey and Susie Ibarra.
Unlocking Your Inner Composer: Free Workshops with PRISM, Susie Ibarra and Tyshawn Sorey
Unlocking Your Inner Composer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to collaborate with virtuoso musicians to bring your own musical story to life. The PRISM Quartet is joining forces with two groundbreaking composer/percussionists— Susie Ibarra and Tyshawn Sorey— in a series of free workshops at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Space is limited, sign up now!
PRISM Quartet News
Read the latest installment of PRISM’s newsletter, which covers Grammy Nomination and upcoming concerts with guest artists Miguel Zenon, Rudresh ...
In Running for Grammy Nominations
Two PRISM Quartet albums, "COLOR THEORY" (XAS Records) and "The Fifth Century" (ECM), are under consideration for multiple 2018 Grammy Award nominations. NARAS friends, we respectfully invite you to consider both albums as you review the Grammy nomination entry list.
PRISM Quartet Newsletter
Read the latest installment of PRISM’s newsletter, which covers upcoming concerts throughout Michigan; the announcement of a new board member, ...
Breath Beneath Blog
Follow progress on the PRISM Quartet's groundbreaking "Discovery" project, Breath Beneath, as we investigate the intersection of music, interactive technology, and durational visual art with two new interdisciplinary works: "Waveguide Model I" from filmmaker Mark DeChiazza and composer Dan Trueman, and "Cha" from filmmaker Bill Morrison, composer Julia Wolfe, and programmer Ryan Holsopple.
PRISM Quartet Newsletter: Recordings
Read the latest installment of PRISM’s newsletter, which cover our upcoming and most recent albums, including Paradigm Lost; WAYNE PETERSON: TRANSFORMATIONS; ...
PRISM Newsletter
Read PRISM’s latest newsletter which cover the Quartet’s upcoming and most recent albums, including “Paradigm Lost.” http://mailchi.mp/prismquartet/recording-news?e=%5BUNIQID
U of MI Christopher Kendall Award: Remarks from Peter Witte
On October 21, 2016, Peter Witte made the following remarks in presenting the PRISM Quartet with the newly established Christopher Kendall Award. The Award honors the tenure of Emeritus Dean Christopher Kendall by recognizing one alumnus/a or an ensemble of alumni of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance from any graduation year who has demonstrated collaboration and/or entrepreneurship and/or significant community engagement and/or interdisciplinary studies and/or patronage to the arts in their professional work.
Color Theory in The New York Times
By CORINNA da FONSECA-WOLLHEIM JUNE 14, 2016 “… In two concerts last week at Roulette in Brooklyn, the Prism Quartet, ...
THE FIFTH CENTURY Album Review by Russell Platt, The New Yorker
"the saxophones sing out long, doleful tunes, or gurgle softly and sympathetically while the chorus intones Traherne’s words in ravishing but ethereal timbres."
PRISM Quartet Presents Enticing Concert in Ypsilanti
The PRISM Quartet returns to its musical birthplace for a concert benefiting the ensemble’s Southeast Michigan Residency Program. The concert features music by two composers with Michigan roots: the late William Albright, a longtime University of Michigan faculty member whose seminal work, Fantasy Etudes, was commissioned by PRISM in 1992; and current Michigan State University faculty member David Biedenbender, whose contribution to the program, “Lullaby” (2014), comes from a larger work-in-progress titled Cerulean. The program includes additional works by Anna Weesner, Martin Bresnick, and Georg Friedrich Haas.
PRISM to appear in Vireo: The Spiritual Biography of a Witch’s Accuser, a new opera composed by Lisa Bielawa
In May, the PRISM Quartet joined forces with the PARTCH ensemble, and a wonderful cast of singers to tape an episode of Lisa Bielawa's new television opera, Vireo: The Spiritual Biography of a Witch’s Accuser.
June 1-15: World Premiere of COLOR THEORY, Saxophones & Percussion
First-ever collaborations between the PRISM Quartet, Sō Percussion, and PARTCH (East Coast Debut, and one of three groups in the world that play Harry Partch instruments), featuring premieres of new works by Steven Mackey, Ken Ueno, and Stratis Minakakis. Plus groundbreaking music by Donnacha Dennehy, Kati Agócs, Georg Friedrich Haas, Steve Lehman, Iannis Xenakis, Bryce Dessner, and Harry Partch. Co-presented in Philadelphia by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Presented in Brooklyn at Roulette.
PRISM gives 15 world premieres in NYC, Philly and Ann Arbor in March
In March 2016, the PRISM Quartet concertizes in Philadelphia, New York City, and Ann Arbor with programs that feature guest appearances by piano virtuoso Marilyn Nonken, and jazz saxophone greats Diego Rivera and Andrew Bishop. The programs include world premieres of 15 new works by a stunning line-up of composers, including James Primosch, Anna Weesner, Jay Reise, Kyle Bartlett, Ben Hjertmann, and William Bolcom.
PRISM Named First Recipient of Christopher Kendall Award from U of MI
PRISM is greatly honored to receive the Christopher Kendall Award from our alma mater. The award recognizes one alumnus/a or an ensemble of alumni of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance who has demonstrated collaboration, entrepreneurship, significant community engagement, interdisciplinary studies and/or patronage to the arts in their professional work.
Heritage/Evolution makes textura’s Top 10 List for 2015 Releases
"One of the best things about PRISM Quartet's 2015 double-CD set is its implicit promise of a second volume—which shouldn't dissuade anyone from checking out the fulsome pleasures of this indispensable first."
No Strings Attached: A PRISM on the Saxophone Quartet
Matt Mendez wrote a fascinating article for NewMusicBox on PRISM and the rich history of saxophone quartets. An absolute must-read for anyone interested in our ever-evolving medium. Read it here.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED: A PRISM ON THE SAXOPHONE QUARTET
Matt Mendez wrote a fascinating article for NewMusicBox on PRISM and the rich history of saxophone quartets. An absolute must-read ...
PRISM Quartet in Running for Four Grammy Nominations
The PRISM Quartet’s recording, “Heritage/Evolution, Volume 1” (innova), is under consideration for 2016 Grammy Award nominations in four categories.
PRISM Awarded MAP Fund Grant
PRISM was awarded a grant from the MAP Fund for Color Theory, a new project in which we'll join forces with the Grammy-winning Partch ensemble to premiere new work by Ken Ueno at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and Roulette in June 2016. The program will also feature a new commission from Stratis Minakakis, as well as music by Harry Partch and Iannis Xenakis. Read the press release HERE.
Up Next: PRISM with Chris Potter and Ravi Coltrane
On June 9th at the Painted Bride in Philly, and June 10 at Symphony Space in NYC, PRISM presents the next installment of Heritage/Evolution, a groundbreaking project featuring world premieres of new works composed and performed by today’s most inventive jazz saxophonists. This time around, Heritage/Evolution spotlights PRISM with saxophone luminaries Chris Potter and Ravi Coltrane. The program follows PRISM’s January 2015 CD release of Heritage/Evolution, Volume 1 on Innova Recordings with guest saxophonists Steve Lehman, Dave Liebman, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Greg Osby, Tim Ries, and Miguel Zenón.
PRISM Gears Up for World Premieres
On May 22nd at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, and May 23rd at Symphony Space in NYC, PRISM presents an electrifying program of world premieres of new saxophone quartets by 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winner Julia Wolfe; Grammy Award-winner Michael Daugherty; the Curtis Institute’s David Hertzberg; Princeton University’s Emma O’Halloran, Viet Cuong and Jonathan Russell; counter)induction’s Kyle Bartlett; Solon Snider and Mark Macaluso, winners of the PRISM/Walden School Commissioning Award; and PRISM’s own Matthew Levy.
Grammy Awards for Tim McAllister and Partch
Congratulations to PRISM's Tim McAllister, soloist on John Adams' "City Noir" (Nonesuch) with Maestro David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony, winner of the 2015 Grammy Award for best orchestral performance.
PRISM Announces 2015 Philly and NYC Concert Series
We're thrilled to announce our 2015 Philadelphia and New York Concert Series. Join PRISM for three programs of electrifying commissions and ground-breaking collaborations featuring guest artists Uri Caine, Ravi Coltrane, and Chris Potter, and composers Julia Wolfe, Michael Daugherty, Emma O’Halloran, and PRISM's own Matthew Levy.
CD Review: Textura on Heritage/Evolution, Volume 1
"The lines normally separating classical and jazz worlds blur if not vanish altogether on an incredible collection...all of the recording's material is positioned at a consistently high level...another appealing feature of the recording is its literal embodiment of community."
Julia Wolfe Wins Pulitzer
Many congratulations to Julia Wolfe, winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize in Music for “Anthracite Fields,” written for the amazing ...
Read the Press Release for Heritage/Evolution, Vol. 1
The official release date for Heritage/Evolution, Volume 1 is January 27, 2015. Read all about it in the press release, which features links to a playlist and CD booklet, live concert footage, interviews with composers, and more.
Grammy nominations for Partch and John Adams/St. Louis Symphony
PRISM sends a major shout-out to Partch, just nominated for 2 Grammy awards. Partch will be joining PRISM in June 2016 for concerts of new commissions from Ken Ueno and Stratis Minankakis at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philly, and Roulette in NYC, as part of our Color Theory project. Another huge shout-out to PRISM's Tim McAllister, featured on the St. Louis Symphony's recording of John Adams' 'City Noir,' also nominated for two Grammy awards.
Check Out the New PRISM Quartet YouTube Page
The all new PRISM Quartet YouTube page contains performances and interviews from saxophonists/composers Rudresh Mahanthappa and Steve Lehman, part of our Heritage/Evolution project. Stay tuned for exclusive footage of PRISM live in concert from World Cafe Live with Dave Liebman, Greg Osby, Tim Ries, and Miguel Zenón.
PRISM on Ballot in Grammy Awards
The PRISM Quartet's 2014 innova recordings, The Singing Gobi Desert and People's Emergency Center, are on the ballot in this year's Grammy Awards in two categories each. Congratulations to the 50 innova artists and audio engineers who made it onto the ballot this year.
November 22 and 23: PRISM in Lewes, Delaware and Media, PA
Save the Dates! PRISM will be performing on the Coastal Concerts Series in Lewes, Delaware, and at Delaware County Community ...
Barlow Prize for Sax Quartet goes to Ben Hjertmann
The Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University recently announced that Ben Hjertmann of Chicago, Illinois is the ...
PRISM at Princeton
Save the Date. PRISM will be conducting a residency with the Princeton University Composition Department, culminating in a free concert ...
This Summer: PRISM Quartet to be Guest Faculty at the Interlochen Saxophone Institute
The PRISM Quartet is proud to be involved as guest faculty members for the summer program at the Interlochen Saxophone ...
Introducing the PRISM Quartet’s Official YouTube Channel
Make sure you subscribe to the all new PRISM Quartet Official YouTube Channel. We have exclusive interviews with Rudresh Mahanthappa ...