News from campus and beyond

Percussion Ensemble Oct. 21 features premiere of Burtner’s “Avian Telemetry”


Last updated October 15, 2018

By Tina Underwood

The Furman Percussion Ensemble will present its fall concert Sunday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. in Daniel Recital Hall on the Furman University campus.

Directed by Furman music professor Omar Carmenates, the concert is open to the public and is presented by the Furman Department of Music. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door.

The concert features a variety of modern chamber percussion repertoire by composers such as Steve Reich, Steven Snowden, Thierry De May and Brian Nozny.

The centerpiece of the concert is the world premiere of “Avian Telemetry” by ecoacoustic composer Matthew Burtner. Commissioned by the Furman Percussion Ensemble and the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability, “Avian Telemetry” brings together current research on avian biology, soundscape ecology, romantic-period British poetry, ecoacoustic music and avant-garde percussion performance to create an evocative space for the contemplation of avian habitat and conservation through music.

The Furman University Percussion Ensemble performs a diverse array of literature while also dedicating itself to commissioning and performing new chamber works from both established and up-and-coming composers, most notably, Alejandro Viñao, Marc Mellits, John Psathas and David Crowell.

As part of a long-running collaboration with Furman’s David E. Shi Center for Sustainability, the ensemble also has become known for its performances and recordings of ecoacoustic music, helping to promote Furman’s standing as one of the nation’s academic leaders in sustainability. In addition to Burtner’s “Avian Telemetry,” recent projects include the co-commissioning and performing of the United States premiere of John Luther Adams’ “Inuksuit” for 9-99 outdoor percussionists, and a recording of Matthew Burtner’s “Six Ecoacoustic Quintets” released through PARMA records.

For more information about the event, contact the Furman University Music Department at 864-294-2086, or email the department at FurmanMusic@furman.edu.

Contact Us
Clinton Colmenares
Director of News and Media Strategy