Tickets must be purchased online prior to event.  Tickets are not available at the door.

ABOUT the NIU New Music Ensemble and Festival Created in 2008 by its director, Dr. Gregory Beyer, the Northern Illinois University New Music Festival is a 2- to 3-day event dedicated to historically groundbreaking music of the 20th Century and the emerging musical voices of the 21st Century. 

PROGRAM

Tight Sweater Remix (2009) - Marc Mellits (b. 1966)

     Exposed Zipper

• Amy Wurtz, piano
• Gregory Beyer, marimba

Mi-Mi (2017) - Amy Wurtz (b. 1976)

Messengers (2024) - Marybeth Kurnat (b. 1987)

     World Premiere

• NIU Chamber Choir, Eric Johnson, Director
• Ethan Cowburn, Evan Miller, Jacob Parra, and Connor Butler, percussion
• Benjamin Gilbert, cello
• Heewon Cha, Accompanist

Tassa (2012) - Ben Wahlund (b. 1977)

• Ben Wahlund, drumset

floating dandelions (2023) - Ania Vu (b. 1994)

• Evan Miller, marimba

Star Box (2020) - Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964)

• Ethan Cowburn, Evan Miller, Jacob Parra, and Connor Butler, percussion

INTERMISSION

I am Yeast (2024) - Brian Penkrot (b. 1978)

• Tom Snydacker, baritone saxophone

Ex Machina (2016/2018) - Marc Mellits

     Machine I (let the funk out)

     Machine II (flowing)

     Machine IV (dancing a mean ghastly dance)

     Machine VI (flowing, lyrical, & songlike)

• Eduardo Zamudio and Kelly Nelson, Bb clarinets
• Mitchell Lucas and Henry Lloyd, bass clarinets

Gale and Zephyr (2023) - Shawn Okpebholo (b. 1981)

• NIU Wind Ensemble, Thomas Bough, Conductor