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Mark Gresham



Last Updated: 12/2/2009

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City: ATLANTA
State: Georgia
Country: US

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 

Category: Music

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2009 NEWS
Mark Gresham is an American composer whose music is rooted in traditions of
neo-romanticism, yet explores modern and eclectic influences with a passionate
lyricism that is sensitive to word, history, and sense of place.
5th Belgian Performance of "Sonata for Violoncello and Piano"

The Helix Duo (Wouter Vercruysse, violoncello, and Alexander Besant, piano) will perform Mark Gresham's "Sonata for Violoncello and Piano" in the new facilities of the Stedelijke Academie voor Muziek en Woord in Ieper, Belgium, on Saturday, September 12th. This will constitute the fifth Belgian performance of the Sonata by the Duo since they gave the European Premiere in Gent on October 16th last year. The free recital will also include "Le Grand Tango" by Astor Piazzolla and "Spiegel im Spiegel" by Arvo Pärt.

Click here to hear the first movement, performed by cellist Karen Freer and pianist Cary Lewis.

Studio Recording of "Vagabond Drumming, Book II"

 On August 4th, percussionist Stuart Gerber included Mark Gresham's “Vagabond Drumming, Book II” as one of the solo percussion works he recorded in a three-day series of studio sessions at Georgia State University, supervised by composer/engineer Robert Thompson. Gresham sat in on the session, marking the score and offering feedback from the control room. “This is going to be a fabulous recording,” he said. “Stuart Gerber's performance and choice of instrumental timbres define exactly how this music should be played.”
Markgresham.com Undergoes Renovation

In the two weeks before Labor Day, the markgresham.com website underwent some major design changes, including easy-to-find links to the composer's social networking sites and convenient widgets from his Twitter and new ReverbNation pages. But most of all, the site has a fresh, new look that is both simpler and more graphically appealing.
From the Composing Desk

At the encouragement of conductor Shawn McCann, Lux Nova Press has just published a new edition of a piece for antiphonal unison choirs Mark Gresham wrote in 1986, “You That Have Faith to Look with Fearless Eyes,” based upon a text adapted from Owen Seaman. McCann sought out Gresham for a new performing edition as his choir had been performing it since 1995 from manuscript copies which had become worn out from age and use. The brief octavo is now available from Lux Nova Press as LNP-0199.
On the Horizon

Mark Gresham has numerous upcoming Atlanta events, including participation in a recital with Boston-based composer-clarinetist Karl Henning on November 17th.  Works by both composers will be featured. Also, pianist Lisa Leong will present the Atlanta premiere of Gresham's "Endless Forms" on May 24, 2010. The world premiere will take place earler that month in Boston. Details about these programs will be forthcoming soon.
Mark Gresham links:
Artist's Website · Facebook · ReverbNation · Twitter


Questions? Contact Laura Scholz, Scholz Communications by e-mail: laura@scholzcommunications.com
Scholz Communications, 1350 Peter Haughton Way, Atlanta, GA 30318

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Saturday, September 05, 2009 
Join the mailing list for my new ReverbNation page: www.reverbnation.com/markgresham


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Tuesday, July 14, 2009 

Category: Music
MARK GRESHAM NEWS: JULY-AUGUST 2009

Now hear this...

The audio from the world premiere of Mortal Coils is now available on Facebook! Go to the official Mark Gresham Facebook fan page and look for the music player on the lower lefthand column. This 15-minute quartet for flute, clarinet, violin and 'cello is found in the first four tracks, as performed by Bent Frequency on April 21, 2009 at Kopleff Recital Hall in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bent Frequency's clarinetist, Ted Gurch (Associate Principal Clarinet, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), had this to say about the work:

"Mortal Coils is a very satisfying piece to rehearse and perform--the logic and rigor in its construction yield a work that's musically cohesive, meaningful...and fun."

Don't miss additional audio tracks, including two new ones: premieres of the choral anthem, "Sing to the Lord a New Song," and Vagabond Drumming, Book II for solo percussion.

The world premiere of "Sing to the Lord a New Song" took place on May 21, 2006. The composition was performed by the Choir of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, conducted by Karl Henning, with Susan J. Clearman as organist. Henning says of the anthem:

"[Sing to the Lord a New Song] is very good writing by any standard and was moreover expertly written from the angle of a church choir putting a comparatively challenging piece together over a four-week period. The choir at St. Paul's found the piece a pleasure to perform, as well as fine music, splendidly fit for sacred service."

Vagabond Drumming, Book II was premiered by percussionist Stuart Gerber on March 20, 2009 at Eyedrum in Atlanta, Georgia. It's the second book in a planned set of five sharing the "Vagabond Drumming" title. Gerber describes the solo percussion piece this way:

"The structure is clear, the use of musical material efficient, and the choice of instrumental is concise, all of which yields an interesting, musically unified work that is as satisfying to listen to as to play. VD2 is a wonderful addition to the repertoire."

Upcoming from the Composing Desk

Final touches are being put on Essays for viola and strings, written for violist Brett Deubner. The entire score will soon be available for perusal by conductors.

Forthcoming works in the composing queue include Genshi for violinist Helen Kim and clarinetist Ted Gurch, and a new solo work for pianist Lisa Leong.

To get the most up-to-date news about Mark Gresham, join his Facebook fan page or log on to www.markgresham.com.  Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends.  You can join the e-mail distribution list by sending a request to newsletter@markgresham.com.


Scholz Communications, 1350 Peter Haughton Way, Atlanta, GA, 30318

 


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Wednesday, May 06, 2009 

Category: Music


MARK GRESHAM NEWS - MAY 2009

April was a busy month for Atlanta-based composer Mark Gresham.  It began with his music appearing in back-to-back events on three different continents.

On April 3, choral conductor and musicologist Dr. Marian Dolan led a reading of Gresham's short benediction “Be Watchful” by attendees at the International Federation for Choral Music's “Voices of South Africa” multicultural choral conference at Stollenbach University near Cape Town, South Africa.   On April 4, the Helix Duo performed Gresham's “Sonata for Violoncello and Piano” at The Rosario monastery in Bever, Belgium, where it was met with a standing ovation.   Then  on April 5, Gresham's new arrangement of “Wondrous Love” was premiered by the congregation, choir and musicians of North Como Presbyterian Church in Roseville, Minnesota, as part of their Passion Sunday worship service.

April also included the much-anticipated premiere of Gresham's chamber work, Mortal Coils, for flute, clarinet, violin and cello, which was performed by Bent Frequency at Georgia State University on April 21.

This month, the Helix Duo will perform the “Sonata for Violoncello and Piano” again at the historic Kapel Cornelis Lantschot in Antwerp, Belgium, on May 13.  On May 16, Gresham will be participating in the DeKalb Choral Guild’s Georgia Young Composers Festival Composer’s Roundtable.

He is also continuing work on his “Essays” for viola and strings, for violist Brett Deubner, and will subsequently begin work on new solo piano music for pianist Lisa Leong, to be premiered in 2010.

Plans are also in the works for a new and expanded second edition of Gresham's 1997 book, “Choral Conversations,” a compilation of interviews originally published while editor of “Chorus!” magazine.

To get the most up-to-date news about Mark Gresham, join the Facebook fan page and log on to www.markgresham.com.  Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends.  They can join the distribution list by emailing a request to newsletter@markgresham.com.

Scholz Communications, 1350 Peter Haughton Way, Atlanta, GA, 30318

 

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Friday, April 03, 2009 

Category: Music


MARK GRESHAM NEWS - APRIL 2009


March Madness!

March was a busy month for composer Mark Gresham, most notably with the production of "Less is More (More or Less)" at Eyedrum on March 20, which featured the world premiere of Gresham's "Vagabond Drumming, Book II," performed by percussionist Stuart Gerber.  The event--which proved to be standing room only--also featured works by Jen Mitchell and Darren Nelsen and an impromptu audience performance inspired by Christian Wolfff's "Stones."

If you missed it, check out this podcast from WABE's City Cafe with John Lemley and this feature from South Fulton Newspaper for event previews.  The concert was also featured prominently on WRAS and WREK and was a Creative Loafing pick for best show of the week!

Gresham's music is not only a hit at home in Atlanta, but abroad.  The Helix Duo, which performed the European premiere of his "Sonata for Violoncello and Piano" last October, reprised their performance at the Concertstudio Stedelijk Conservatorium in Kortrijk, Belgium on March 22.  The concert was met with great enthusiasm by performers and audience alike, and talks are underway for a subsequent commission.

What's Next

If you missed the Eyedrum event, you'll get another opportunity to hear Gresham's music locally.  Bent Frequency will perform "Mortal Coils" on April 21 at 8pm at the Kopleff Recital Hall, Georgia State University.

Further abroad this weekend, Gresham's works will be included in a session at the "Voices of South Africa" conference at Stellnbosch University near Cape Town, South Africa, and the Helix Duo will give an encore performance of the Cello Sonata at the Rosario in Belgium.

Also this weekend, North Como Presbyterian Church in Roseville, Minnesota will premiere Gresham's new arrangement of the Southern Harmony hymn-tune "Wondrous Love," written for congregational singing with added harmonies and descant for choir, accompanied by flute, oboe, cello and organ on Palm Sunday.

All About Fall

Many of you are in the midst of planning your fall seasons--check out Gresham's catalogue of music here.  He is also available for commissions and guest appearances.  As always, check out markgresham.com for the latest news and events.  Thanks for listening!

Scholz Communications, 1350 Peter Haughton Way, Atlanta, GA, 30318












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Wednesday, February 04, 2009 

Category: Music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Laura Scholz
Scholz Communications
Phone: 678-984-4045
Email: laura@scholzcommunications.com

 
MARK GRESHAM TO PRESENT "LESS IS MORE (MORE OR LESS)" AT EYEDRUM ON MARCH 20
Concert to feature percussionist Stuart Gerber and new works by Atlanta-based creative artists


February 3, 2009 (Atlanta, GA)   Award-winning composer Mark Gresham will present "Less is More (More or Less)," a concert featuring new works by Atlanta-based creative artists, on March 20 at 8pm at Eyedrum.  Featured Atlanta artists include percussionist Stuart Gerber, composer Mark Gresham, video artist Al Matthews,composer and DJ Jen Mitchell and composer Darren Nelson.  The concert will also include front-edge music and performance art by John Luther Adams, Alexander Babel, Giorgio Battestelli, Frederic Rzewski, Stuart Saunders Smith and Christian Wolff.

"When Stuart Gerber and I were looking for an opportunity to premiere my Vagabond Drumming, Book II, says Gresham, we simply decided to create one, and approached Eyedrum with the idea. The program is built around this piece and some of Stuart's other favorite front-edge repertoire for solo percussionist. We also invited Jen Mitchell to compose a new work for percussionist and DJ, and Darren Nelsen to present some of his one-minute electronic pieces with brand-new visuals from video artist Al Matthews."

The title "less is more (more or less)" refers to the intent of Gresham's "Vagabond Drumming" series, which is to create very "portable"repertoire for percussionists. It also reflects aspects of other repertoire selected for the program: The nominal "prose score" of Wolff's"Stones," the solitary tam-tam of Adams' "Roar," as well as the one-minute durations of Nelsen's electronic works. However, the caveat "more or less" is quite intentional wordplay on the famous "less is more" quote from Bauhaus architect Ludwig Miesvan der Rohe.

Tickets are $10 and available at the door. Student tickets are $5 with proper identification. For more information, log on to www.markgresham.com/lessismore.


About Stuart Gerber

Percussionist Stuart Gerber is an active performer of new music has performed extensively throughout the US, Europe, Australia, and Mexico. He has been involved in many commissions and world-premiere performances, most notably with composer Karlheinz Stockhausen. Gerber gave the world premiere performance of Karlheinz Stockhausen's last solo percussion work "Himmels-Tür" in Italy, as well as his percussion trio "Mittwoch-Formel" at the annual Stockhausen-Courses in Kürten, Germany.  Since July 2005 Dr. Gerber has been the faculty percussionist for the Stockhausen-Courses and has recorded a number of pieces for the Stockhausen Complete Edition.

In addition, Gerber has worked with many other notable composers, such as Kaija Saariaho, Steve Reich, Tristan Murail, Frederic Rzewski, George Crumb, Tania Lèon, Michael Colgrass, Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, and John Luther Adams.

About Mark Gresham

Mark Gresham is an Atlanta-based composer whose music is rooted in traditions of neo-romanticism, yet explores modern and eclectic influences with a passionate lyricism that is sensitive to word, history, and sense of place.

For this concert at Eyedrum, he is also acting in the role of producer, responsible for organizing the event and its presentation to the public.  Partial support for his "Vagabond Drumming II" has been made possible by donations through Fractured Atlas (NYC).  For more information about Mark Gresham, log on to www.markgresham.com.

About Eyedrum

Started in 1998, Eyedrum is a non profit organization developing an interdisciplinary approach to the arts by incorporating a wide range of contemporary art, music and new media in its gallery space. The gallery is operated entirely by volunteers, and supported through membership and donations.It has been recognized internationally as well as locally by Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs and within the community at large for its advancement of innovation.

Scholz Communications, 1350 Peter Haughton Way, Atlanta, GA 30318

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Wednesday, February 04, 2009 



Here's the flyer for the "less is more (more or less)" concert at Eyedrum on 20 March 2009. —Mark Gresham

 




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Wednesday, February 04, 2009 

Category: Music

I hired a publicist.  Seriously!  Starting the middle of last month.  My first official press release from this new endeavor is going out tonight at midnight to selected local and national print and online media about the March 20 concert at Eyedrum here in Atlanta, where my "Vagabond Drumming, Book II" will premiere.

The firm is Scholz Communications, aka Laura Scholz who was publicity director for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra a few years back.  I'd gotten to know Laura's work with the ASO from the other side of the table, in my capacity as a music journalist.  Then after leaving the ASO and working for another company for a bit, she decided to start her own firm and, well, the timing and circumstances were just right.

Even over these past few weeks it has been a joy to not do everything, including promotion, with my own two hands and (and only one cranium).  There are lessons to be learned about the positive value of having another creative person handling publicity and public relations with whom to interact and brainstorm.  I highly recommend it.

Look for our press releases to be replicated on this blog in the near future.  Maybe even not long after midnight tonight.  Except I have to be up at 5am.  So maybe later in the day.

Cheers,

—Mark Gresham


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Thursday, June 05, 2008 

Category: Music

I finished composing Vagabond Drumming, Book II last night. It's the third installment of the project.  Books I & III have been premiered over the past few years, with a total of five books planned in all.

The draft of Book III has been sent to percussionist Stuart Gerber.  We'll be discussing the premiere date  soon.

Book II is intended for performance by a solo percussionist, but the part can also be split up so it can be performed by an ensemble.  The duration is anticipated to be 8 minutes, 25 seconds.

I'll reveal more about Vagabond Drumming, Book II as we approach the premiere date.

Percussionists interested in scheduling subsequent performances of this work should contact me by MySpace message.
—Mark Gresham



• • •

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Monday, January 21, 2008 

Category: Music

My new electronic composition, Down the Drain, will be premiered as part of the Atlanta Composers Group's "Unseen Forces" all-electronic music showcase on Monday, Jan. 28, 2008 at 8:00pm @ Eyedrum (Atlanta, Georgia, USA).

Down the Drain takes as inspiration Georgia's severe drought of 2007. Only three kinds of recorded sounds are involved in the composition: 1) actual sounds of water running down drains, 2) the spoken word "water," and 3) a tap on a Pyrex measuring cup with a teaspoon. All source sounds are manipulated only with Audacity software.

"Unseen Forces" features the works of nine local artists.  Admission is FREE.

Visit the Atlanta Composer Group on MySpace at www.myspace.com/atlantacomposers

—Mark Gresham

PROGRAM

Mark Gresham: "Down the Drain" (2:30)
Adam Scott Neal: "Straphanger" (6:00)
Darren Nelsen: "Vibrato Trajectories" (3:27)
Toby Chappell: "The Bone Season" (7:47)
Brian Skutle: "Synthphonic Poignancy" (4:50)
Mitchell Turner: "A la Feminisca - Berio Remix 2" (4:41)
Jason Passmore: "March to Exile" (3:26)
Kerwin Young: "Voices of the Unseen Forces" (2:52)
Mike Murray: "Martini" (4:05)

• • •

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