Accomplished pianist, composer, and “one of the world’s leading proponents of the toy piano” (Chicago Reader), Phyllis Chen uses unconventional instruments and sound-making devices in her compositions. She performs the World Premiere of Lighting The Dark, scored for hand-made music boxes, clavichord, accordion, and electronics, inspired by the collected photographs of women around the world by Paola Gianturco. The program also includes Chen performing music for toy piano and piano by composers whose innovative works influenced her newest composition.
Program
Phyllis Chen: Lighting The Dark, hand-made music boxes, clavichord, accordion, electronics
John Dowland / William Byrd: Pavana Lachrymae, clavichord
Silvia Corda: Tre ritratti del tempo, toy piano and toy dulcimer
Alvin Lucier: Music for Piano with Magnetic Strings
ICElab participant Phyllis Chen is a BAC Resident Artist alumna. Her new work is commissioned by BAC.
Generous support for Lighting The Dark provided by the Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts.
"Move Over, Schroeder. Make Room for Tiny Dancers."
Phyllis Chen
Phyllis Chen is a pianist, toy pianist, and composer who performs original multimedia compositions and works by contemporary composers. A founding member of International Contemporary Ensemble, she was chosen as one of the inaugural 2011 ICElab composers, creating a cycle of chamber works using the toy piano as the central voice.
All photos: Carrie Schneider