Maria Jean Sullivan

Latest from this author

PREMIERE: Slim Wray's "The Way I Get By" Off 'Post No Bills'

Garage surf-rock trio Slim Wray's forthcoming EP, Post No Bills, out July 14, proliferates that 1960's beach babe sound. Recorded in Bunker Studios in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Post No Bills is the gritty, cymbal-heavy, blues infused answer to Brain Wilson's surf pop.
Colleen on 'Captain of None' Thrill Jockey Records Release, Working with Naoko Tanaka and Christopher Thockler and African Music Influences

Much like myself, french multi-instrumentalist Colleen aka Cécile Schott takes sonic influence from Terry Riley, Arthur Russell, traditional African and Jamaican music and, naturally, the Wu Tang Clan. All of which she delved into on her edition of VF Mix 14, a vinyl-only mix series hosted by The Vinyl Factory, quoting “Bells of War” as her choice Wu cut. These influences trace back to Cecille’s childhood obsession with her parents cassette tape “The Kings of Reggae”, mostly consisting of Lee “Scratch” Perry tracks from 1976 to 1979.In her own work, she uses her voice and the baroque instrument treble viola da gamba to recite intricate tales of the human mind and heart. Her latest release, Captain of None on Thrill Jockey Records is possibly the most experimental album in her repertoire featuring tracks heavily influenced by her Jamaican and African music obsession, embossed bass lines and, new to her, percussive effects.Recorded, mixed and produced entirely by Cecille in her San Sebastian, Spain music studio, Cecille imparted dub production techniques, a melodica, a Moogerfooger and delay pedal and echo effects. Another intricacy of Captain of None: rather than bowing the instrument in a traditional manner, Cecille tunes the viola da gamba like a guitar and plucks it for a fresh perspective on what a string instrument is and can be. I had an e-conversation with Colleen on her Thrill Jockey release, where her love of the viola da gamba came from and the very real struggle for non-American artists to tour in the States.
R.B. Schlather on Handel's 'Orlando,' the Problem with New York City Space, Philip Glass' 'Penal Colony' and the Politics of Open Rehearsal Space

For all the bogus boilerplate about how classical music is dead or even well-intentioned words regarding how she can stay breathing, precious few--performers, ensembles and institutions--are actually doing anything to change both conversation and prognosis. Moreover, when it comes to remounting baroque opera in our digi-epoch, fewer still have the informed perspective, due diligence and, well, cojones to really make a difference. Save for one R.B. Schlather, of course.
2015 MATA Festival Interview Spotlight - Wang Lu on 'Urban Inventory', Curious Chamber Players of Sweden and China's 'Little Trumpet Broadcast' Theme

Founded by Philip Glass, Lisa Bielawa and Eleonor Sandresky in 1996, the MATA Young Composers Now! Festival strives to present emerging compositional talent sourced from across the globe. The 2015 edition at The Kitchen continues in that very tradition, featuring quite the varied array of exemplary young voices. So, with a nod to the spirit of MATA, itself, Classicalite has chosen three composers to speak with about that career-defining opportunity: a MATA Fest commission. First, we chat with Chinese composer Wang Lu, a 2014 Guggenheim composer and pianist whose work Urban Inventory opened on Tuesday--as part of the "Curiouser and Curiouser" program, featuring performances of Lu's work by Sweden's Curious Chamber Players.
Robert Sirota on 'Spindrift' with Sandbox Percussion, Concerts in Park Slope and Why He's Not Going on Nadia's 'Meet The Composer' Podcast

With both European bona fides (that Watson fellowship with Nadia Boulanger in Paris) and studies with composers that can sound European (those PhD lessons with Leon Kirchner at Harvard), American composer Robert Sirota remains precisely that: a quintessentially American composer. In his mature works, thorny chromaticism often plays nicely within rounded, deliberate forms. And there's always a true economy of means -- no motive where none intended. European-inspired, maybe, but his is a curious blend, no doubt informed by Sirota's many academic appointments up and down America's eastern seaboard (NYU, BU, Peabody, Manhattan School of Music). Not that Robert Sirota is an ivory tower, himself. Case in point: Sirota's brand new, beguiling work for Sandbox Percussion, Spindrift.
Loren Mazzacane Connors on Tinnitus Music Series, Miles Davis' "He Loved Him Madly," Wife Suzanne Langille and Analog vs. Digital

The one, true guitar hero, Loren Connors is nothing if not prolific: 50-plus records as far flung as Drag City to Ecstatic Peace/Father Yod to Table of the Elements, as well as countless more via his own imprints (Daggett, St. Joan, Black Label, etc.) under at least as many aliases (Loren MazzaCane Connors, Loren Mattei, Guitar Roberts, ad inf.). Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's in the early 1990s, live and in-person, Connors continues pretty much unabated (cf. with Keiji Haino at the Whitney, with Tim Hecker at the Wick, that sold-out show at ISSUE Project with girl-in-a-band du jour Kim Gordon). Faster than Derek Bailey, more powerful than Rhys Chatham and Glenn Branca combined, able to leapfrog over Ry Cooder with a single, boundless bar of blues, his 65-year-old l'éminence grise answered some of Classicalite's none too pressing queries via e-mail.
Jake Schepps on New Quintet Album 'Entwined', Commissioning Gyan Riley and Marc Mellits, Béla Bartók vs. String Bands, Ship in the Clouds Tour, Brazilian Choro Music

Banjo player Jake Schepps sure is opening up the possibilities for his instrument: contemporary classical bluegrass? Yes, a thousand times so. In fact, his latest album, Entwined (Fine Mighty), is the perfect manifestation of a seemingly non-existent genre. Featuring new compositions from the likes of Marc Mellits, Gyan Riley, Matt McBane and Matt Flinner, Schepps' traditional, five-band string band sounds anything but trad here. Curious how Schepps & Co. got wise, Classicalite got on the horn with this Scruggs-slash-Stravinsky to talk process, commissioning and what's next for him, instrument and ensemble.
[WATCH] Excerpts from 'Cubanacán: A Revolution of Forms,' First New Cuban Opera in 50 Years, from Charles Koppelman, Roberto Valera and Charles Chemin

'Cubanacán: A Revolution of Forms' is indeed the first new Cuban opera in nearly five decades. Itself some twelve years in the making, this new production comes to fruition via American filmmaker Charles Koppleman to kick off the 2015 Havana Biennial on May 22, under the curious theme “Between the Idea and the Experience.” Featuring a libretto by Koppleman, music by Cuban composer Roberto Valera (who will also conduct) and stage direction by the Parisian upstart Charles Chemin, 'Cubanacán' looks at moment in the history of Castro’s reign that you've likely never read about before.
Arthur Russell Tribute at BAM to Feat. Scissor Sister Jake Shears, Arcade Fire's Richard Reed Parry and Dev Hynes

Following the release of Master Mix: Red Hot + Arthur Russell tribute album featuring Hot Chip, Sufjan Stevens, Phosphorescent, Blood Orange and 16 more via Red Hot Organization and Yep Roc; BAM is hosting an evening of performances in honor of the late composer, cellist and electronic musician. Paying tribute to Russell is Devonté Hynes, Richard Reed Parry, Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters, Sam Amidon, Cults, Lonnie Holley, Redding Hunter, Little Scream, Thao Nguyen of Thao & The Get Down Stay Down and Rubblebucket.
Classicalite Q&A with Ian Williams on Battles, American Composers Orchestra's 'Clear Image,' 'High Fidelity' Cameo and Having a Baby Girl

Ian Williams, erstwhile guitarist in math rock pioneers Don Caballero, has been busy as of late--working on a new Battles record, writing his first piece for the American Composers Orchestra to perform at Carnegie Hall, fathering his first child. With Classicalite favorites George Manahan behind the podium, Theo Bleckmann on vocals and members of the Meredith Monk Vocal Ensemble lending support, Williams debuted his Clear Image work during the ACO's Orchestra Underground: Monk's Sphere, opening night of that storied ensemble's 38th season. We recently caught up with Williams to chat about his rocker past, the ACO collaboration, having a daughter and even his cameo in High Fidelity.
Classicalite Q&A with Carolina Eyck & Christopher Tarnow on 'Improvisations for Theremin And Piano' (Butterscotch Records), Allen Farmelo and the Theremin Summer Academy in France

German theremin virtuoso Carolina Eyck and pianist/composer Christopher Tarnow set their American debut today by way of Improvisations for Theremin and Piano on Buttersctoch Records. Produced by Allen Farmelo, Improvisations modernizes the theremin and piano in a sonically jangled delight for all five senses.
Composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir Releases Latest Album 'Aerial' November 11 via Deutsche Grammophon / Universal Music Classics

Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir is set to release her latest album, 'Aerial,' on November 11th via Deutsche Grammophon / Universal Music Classics Records. 'Aerial' is composed of six new works with ensembles of varying sizes.
C-LITE A.V. Club - Lang Lang Performs Mozart at HARMAN Flagship Store in Manhattan

United Nations Messenger of Peace Lang Lang celebrated the release of his 'The Mozart Album' at the HARMAN store in Midtown, Manhattan, where he was honored by HARMAN for his efforts in share his music and inspiring others.
PHOTOS: Cameron Carpenter Debuts His International Touring Organ with Shostakovich, Fauré at Town Hall in New York City

Last week, Classicalite took a stroll on Town Hall Way in Midtown, Manhattan to witness celebrated organ virtuoso Cameron Carpenter in-person--touring in support of his Sony Classical debut If You Could Read My Mind (a record that quickly became the top-selling classical album in the United States).
yMusic Release 'Bladed Stance' Official Video Off 'Balance Problems' on New Amsterdam Records

yMusic have bestowed yet another gift from their sophomore effort "Balance Problems": the official video for "Bladed Stance," composed by Marcos Balter and from New Amsterdam Records.
Classicalite Q&A with Cameron Carpenter on 'If You Could Read My Mind', His International Touring Organ and Working With Terry Riley

We recently caught up with celebrated organ virtuoso Cameron Carpenter last week in Berlin where he is touring in support of, You Could Read My Mind. His latest record quickly became the top-selling classical album in the U.S. To wit, he has recently completed a custom built International Touring Organ (ITO) giving him the mobility to attract modernity in classical music abroad.
On Edibles at the Colorado Symphony Orchestra's 'Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series' Red Rocks Concert

The Colorado Symphony has ended its run of its invite-only "Classically Cannabis: The High Note Series" concerts last month. To recap: The CSO now allows the partaking of marijuana and alcoholic drinks during their performances. To wit, the musicians themselves are no longer required to wear tuxedos. Fittingly for a regular pot smoker, the OC Weekly's Chris Walker posted their review of their end of summer Red Rocks performance a month late. To join in the festivities, proper, Walker first went shopping for edibles at a local dispensary: the Denver Wellness Center.
Bang On A Can's Asphalt Orchestra Release Pixies' 'Surfer Rosa' Cover Album November 18 on Cantaloupe Music Records

Bang On A Can project, Asphalt Orchestra, is set to drop their latest record, a Pixies' Surfer Rosa remix album. The Cantaloupe Music release is due out on November 18 and features the cult classic in it’s entirety.
Ted Hearne's 'The Source' to Premiere at Brooklyn Academy of Music on October 22, 'Law of Mosaics' Release November 4

Ted Hearne's latest work, "The Source," is based on Chelsea Manning's release of government documents to Wikileaks. The multimedia oratorio piece was commissioned and produced by Beth Morrison Projects and features a libretto by Mark Doten with direction by Daniel F, production design by Jim Findlay and video design by Findlay and Fish.
WATCH: 'Michael Brown Requiem' Protest Halts St. Louis Symphony’s Performance of Brahms’s 'German Requiem'

The St. Louis Symphony’s performance of Brahms’s "German Requiem" was halted by a Ferguson demonstration this past Saturday at Powell Hall.
Manuscript of Mozart's Piano Sonata K331 Discovered in Budapest's National Széchényi Library

The manuscript of Mozart's A major piano sonata K331 has recently been discovered in Budapest. Having spent the majority of it’s life in the Budapest’s National Széchényi Library for decades, the coveted manuscript was rediscovered by Haydn scholar Balazs Mikusi.
Shirtless Jeff Goldblum Sells Lightbulbs in "Tim and Eric Awesome Show" Creators GE Commercial

Jeff Goldblum, shirtless, is trying to sell you light bulbs to illuminate your non-famous couch potato man friend. The commercial falls perfectly in line with Goldblum’s Café Caryle performances this fall with the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. The Tim and Eric Awesome Show creators crafted a retro hip infomercial of sorts for GE complete with a Home Depot click-through for ease in purchasing.
Bryce Dessner, The Knights, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Wordless Music Orchestra to Perform at Brookfield Place Winter Garden for New Sounds Live October 14-16

Classicalite favorite The National’s Bryce Dessner is back at it again. This time with The Knights, Bang on a Can All-Stars and the world premiere of Mike Oldfield's Tubular as part of New Sounds Live, a free, three-night series at Brookfield Place Winter Garden from October 14 to 16.
Director/Writer David Donnelly to Release 'Maestro' Classical Music Documentary Featuring Paavo Järvi, Lang Lang, Joshua Bell and Hilary Hahn

Director/writer David Donnelly is set to release "Maestro," a documentary on the world of classical music conductors during a time of decline.
New Amsterdam Records Present Sound / Source Music Festival at MoMA PS Featuring Tyondai Braxton, Paul Lansky, Roomful of Teeth, Vicky Chow, Tristan Perich, Holly Herndon, Alvin Lucier

This fall, New Amsterdam Records will present Sound / Source, an all-day electronic music festival at MoMA PS1. Produced in collaboration with L3M, the Oct. 19 event will feature Tyondai Braxton, Paul Lansky (with members of Roomful of Teeth), Vicky Chow and Tristan Perich, Holly Herndon, Alvin Lucier's I am sitting in a room and Huerco S.
UPDATE: yMusic Stream 'Balance Problems' a Day Before New Amsterdam Records Release

yMusic have shared the full stream of their sophomore effort, "Balance Problems," on New Amsterdam Records, featuring compositions by Classicalite faves Sufjan Stevens, Nico Muhly and Timo Andres, as well as works by NOW Ensemble guitarist Mark Dancigers, Chicago timbralist Marcos Balter, Andrew Norman and Jeremy Turner. Set to drop tomorrow, you can stream the full album here thanks to Pitchfork Advance.
Maria Callas Opera Academy In Her Old Apartment Approved By Greece

The now-dilapidated house where opera legend Maria Callas lived from 1940-45 is set to become an opera school itself, approved by Greece.
Lang Lang Plays Mozart, Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conducts Strauss for Philadelphia Orchestra's 2014-15 Season Opener at Kimmel Center

The Philadelphia Orchestra, under the baton on music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will kick off its 2014-15 season with superstar pianist Lang Lang in the Verizon Hall at Kimmel Center. The three-day run will begin on Friday, September 26 at 8 p.m.
New York City Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio Announces Citywide ID Card Program Benefiting the Arts

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a New York City-wide ID card program that garners cultural benefits last Thursday at the Bronx Zoo.
Gramophone Magazine's Classical Music Awards Winners Include Riccardo Chailly and Gewandhusorchester's Brahms, Violinist Leonidas Kavakos and Conductor Neville Marriner

This year's Gramophone Classical Music Awards gave the orchestral recording of the year to Riccardo Chailly and the Gewandhusorchester Leipzig for their Brahms Symphony cycle, released on Decca.