New Classical Featured Artist – 01/16/23 – 01/29/23
In this week’s playlist, we feature GRAMMY-nominated violist and composer, Jessica Meyer. With playing that is “fierce and lyrical” and works that are “other-worldly” (The Strad) and “evocative” (New York Times), her passionate musicianship radiates accessibility and emotional clarity. Meyer’s first composer/performer portrait album in 2019 debuted at #1 on the Billboard traditional classical chart, where “knife-edge anticipation opens on to unexpected, often ecstatic musical realms, always with a personal touch and imaginatively written for the instruments” (Gramophone Magazine). Meyer’s compositions viscerally explore the wide palette of emotionally expressive colors available to each instrument while using traditional and extended techniques inspired by her varied experiences as a contemporary and period instrumentalist. Since embarking on her composition career eight years ago, premieres have included performances by acclaimed vocal ensembles Roomful of Teeth and Vox Clamantis, the St. Lawrence String Quartet as the composer in residence at Spoleto Festival USA, the American Brass Quintet, PUBLIQuartet, among many others.
As a solo performer, Ms. Meyer uses a single simple loop pedal to create a virtuosic orchestral experience with her viola and voice. Drawing from wide-ranging influences which include Bach, Brahms, Delta blues, Flamenco, Indian Raga, and Appalachian fiddling, Meyer’s music takes audience members on a journey through joy, anxiety, anger, bliss, torment, loneliness, and passion. Ms. Meyer is equally known for her inspirational work as an educator, where she empowers musicians with networking, communication, teaching, and entrepreneurial skills so they can be the best advocates for their own careers.
We’ll hear performances by Jessica Meyer as well as her compositions from her first album, Ring Out, throughout this playlist. Connect with Classical Music Indy Streaming’s New Classical channel for this and much more.
Leave a Reply