Cage genuinely wanted to open up the beauteous
experience of sound for everyone. Much of his work could be
described as kits to be used tin the creation of a performance that
relies on the perceptions, imaginations and choices of the
musicians. It was a spiritual mission for him to create the
opportunity for the performance to exist while at the same time to
interfere with it as little or as subtly as possible.
-Michael Tilson Thomas,
letter to the editor, New York Times
John Cage was one of the most influential artists of
the 20th century. To mark the centenary of his birth, Michael
Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony will present Making the Right Choices: A
John Cage Centennial Celebration from February 8 to 10 at the
New World Center in Miami Beach, Florida.
Three theatrically enhanced performances - in
addition to film screenings, panel discussions and readings - will
trace the transformation in Cage's methods as a composer from his
early, elegant and specifically noted choices of sounds to later
existential situations in which he allowed the performers enormous
freedom.
The festival will feature artists such as new-music
vocalists Joan La Barbara and Meredith Monk, soprano Jessye Norman,
pianist Marc-André Hamelin and dancers from New World School for
the Arts performing choreography by Merce Cunningham.
Explore the
world of John Cage - be part of the Making the Right Choices
festival.
Video: MTT introduces and performs Cage's Aria with Renga
with soprano Measha Brueggergosman
