Music

Peak Performances at Montclair

From contemporary chamber music to the Shanghai Quartet

by Josh Kurp   |   Sep 8, 2010

Peak Performances at Montclair

NOW Ensemble (Photo: nowensemble.com)

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Over in New Jersey, Montclair State University has quite the September lineup of “Peak Performances.” Remember, it only takes about 45 minutes on the PATH to get there, so why not check at least one of the following events?

Here There Be Dragons
Featuring: NOW Ensemble, William Brittelle’s Television Landscape and Victoire
September 11, 8 p.m.

NOW make chamber music for the 21st century. Television Landscape blends classical, jazz and rock in ways unheard before. Victorie somehow make enjoyable electronic classical music. They’re all new classical bands, and they’re all playing tonight. $15

Disembodied Instruments
September 11, 9:45 p.m.

“Everywhere is the Best Seat” is Christopher Janney’s new installation, in which 36 columns are equipped with sensors, inviting people to create their own sounds and light (as seen here). Tonight, Janney will perform with his exhibit, along with special guests Dave Revels, Jimmy Hayes, Stan Strickland, Wes Winter, Jerry Leakes and Eddie George. Free

Shanghai Quartet
September 12, 3 p.m.

The world-famous Shanghai Quartet—Weigang Li and Yi-Wen Jiang on violin, Honggang Li on viola and cellist Nicholas Tzavaras—are the artists-in-residency at Montclair with good reason: they’re one of the world’s most famous string quartets. They’ll be performing with pipa virtuoso Wu Man for the world premiere of Lei Liang’s “Five Seasons,” along with Beethoven’s “Quartet op. 18, no. 3″; Schumann’s “Quartet op. 41, no.1″; and Wang Huiran’s “Dance of the Yi People.” $15

Jet Lag
Sept. 23, 24, 30, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 8 p.m.
Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 3 p.m.

Based on two overlapping true stories about eccentric individuals who manipulated time and space, turning their travels into a new kind of escape, Jet Lag is directed by Marianne Weems and written by Jessica Chalmers. When the show first ran, it received OBIE awards for “Outstanding Production” and “Best Actor” in 1999-2000. $15