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