James Drew

A recording project devoted to James Drew’s works, which includes both the composer’s instrumental and vocal chamber works, has been undertaken by James Fulkerson’s Barton Workshop in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Drew’s “in-progress” Handbook of Classical Improvisation (ranging from Bach to experimental processes) is scheduled to be published in 2006 by Artistry Press International. It is based on Drew’s personal history as an improvising pianist and from his intuitive collaboration projects. His most recent collaboration is with visual artist Bee KC Tan, where unscheduled changing processes of their installation in the Singapore Arts Festival (The Theatre of Ukiyo-e) function through sound, mirrors, kinetic clay figures, and deep layers of moving silk. James Drew and Mary Gae George of the Greywolf Performing Arts Institute have recently designed additional children’s music and theatre projects which will be available via the internet in 2006 at: www.greywolf-artistry.com.

Premieres

Funeral St. March was premiered in Amsterdam by J. Fulkerson and H. Jeffreys. The Kalvos Ensemble premiered New Orleans Requiem on WGKR-Vermont. K.C. Tan and the composer installed The Theatre of Ukiyo-e in Singapore for the 2005 Singapore Arts Festival.

PerformancesSeveral of the composer’s works have been performed internationally the past season, including: Ukiyo-e by the Singapore String Quartet, Singapore; The Lute In The Attic by Charles von Tassel and the Barton Ensemble; and Animating Zero Degree by the Barton Workshop, Amsterdam; Metal Concert by Ubang Percussions, London, England, U.K.; and Solemn Acts in Rain, J. Ryan/M. Solas, Liverpool, England, U.K.

Publications

The Sky Re-Tuned, two pianists; In Memoriam: J. C. Higginbottom, solo trombone; New Orleans Requiem, solo cello; and Classical Symphonies for re-configured orchestras; all by Artistry Press International.

Recordings

Ukiyo-e, Singapore String Quartet; AGW Recording. The Orangethorpe Aria, Leslie Morgan and the Mirecourt Trio; Cinnabar Recordings.

Further Information

• 2003-2004 Annual American Composers Update
• 2002-2003 Annual American Composers Update
• 2001-2002 Annual American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 Annual American Composers Update
• SAI's Music for Young People section