One of contemporary music’s most exciting, inventive and original acts will bend genres and explore sonic possibilities tonight at the University. Bang On A Can, a New York based collection of composers and performers dedicated to creating, exposing and performing new music, will take the stage of the Union Theatre tonight for a five-hour marathon concert starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m. Composer and Bang On A Can founding member Julia Wolfe “tried to create an environment that would welcome curious and open listeners,” Wolfe said. “We wanted them to have a great experience with new music.” Bang On A Can is a unique ensemble that includes both classical instrumentation and electric guitar. The end result is music that is hard to classify without a long list of adjectives. “The music is many things- wild, passionate, ear-bending, beautiful, driving, virtuosic, noisy, delicate, and more,” Wolfe said. Wolfe has been spending the week around the University. “It’s a beautiful city,” Wolfe says of Baton Rouge. “[it] has a welcome calm for us New Yorkers.” The performance is generating excitement among students. “I’m excited because it’s interesting to see how different kinds of instruments come together, and the music it produces,” Christine Baniewicz, theater freshman said. Jude Traxler, music composition and percussion performance senior, is a fan of the group and said Bang On A Can is one of the best acts around. “These guys are the premiere group for contemporary music in the States,” Traxler said. “Bar none, these guys are the best in their field. They are incredible musicians, and they are a collective of incredible minds, creating contemporary music not just for the shock value of new music, but because they believe in what they do, and it shows.” Due to the show’s length, students are not required to stay for the entire show, and can come and go as they please. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students.
—-Contact James Hunter at [email protected]