James Drew

Following the premiere of James Drew's Ukiyo-e, and three more performances throughout 2002-2003, the Nevsky String Quartet has recorded the work to be released in 2004. The Quartet is currently looking for a large enough concert hall to accomodate the premiere of Drew's The Structure of the Discourse, which is scored for three spatially designated ensembles, including string quartet, small percussion orchestra, muted brass orchestra, and multiple choruses positioned throughout the hall. The Academic Hall where Ukiyo-e was premiered is too small, but Palace Hall may be a workable site for the premiere of this massive work. Drew continues the Greywolf Performing Arts Institute's mission of bringing new music for children and young aduts to perform and his Sonorous Circus is becoming a model for children's music education.

Premieres

Ukiyo-e was introduced by the Nevsky String Quartet, in St. Petersburg, Russia; while the Crane Percussion Ensemble presented the four-group version of Tonus Ut, in Potsdam, NY.

Performances

Metal Concert was presented by Resonanz Percussions, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and pianist James Drew performed Hypothetical Structures, in San Diego, CA. The works Mud Vectors, for solo percussion, by Resonanz, and Geo-Spaces-07, by the Carre Ensemble, were both heard in Stockholm, Sweden.

Publications

Tonus Ut, 5 percussion ensembles, chorus; The Structure of the Discourse, multiple orchestras, choruses; both by Artistry Press International.

Recordings

Music of James Drew: New Haven/New York 1969-70, GW Recordings.

Further Information

• 2001-2002 Annual American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 Annual American Composers Update