How has audience performance perceptions shifted in the 21st century? As a technologically dominated art audience, are we still able to process multiple media at once? In a world obsessed with multitasking, have we lost our ability to really watch and listen?
These are but some of the questions that Gil Morgenstern hopes to incite--and perhaps even answer--with his Reflections Series International.
As a world-renowned violinist, Morgernsten has had his share of experience with these concepts. A revolutionary name in classical music, he is constantly pushing the boundaries of what we believe the concert experience should be.
In Reflections, which began in 2007 in New York City, Morgenstern presents solo and chamber music along with works of different artistic disciplines. The program also includes combinations of music, text, movement and images.
In his latest show, "Coupled Perceptions," Morgenstern focuses on adding different dance disciplines.The music is performed as originally written and then reinterpreted with original choreography, giving the audience an opportunity to experience the two pieces as separate works.
The last show of the season, this May, he's calling "Nature’s Bounty"--music and text inspired by personal encounters with both natural and man-made landscapes.
Classicalite spoke with Morgenstern earlier this month about Reflections International, being named artist-in-residence at Avenues: The World School, as well as his sleepy future plans.
Classicalite: I can't help but wonder where the name Reflections comes from? Do you believe each of these concerts is a reflection of you? Or maybe the audience who is viewing them?
Gil Morgenstern: Both and more. The principal notion is to have the works that are programmed reflect upon one another, thus inviting the audience to reflect anew on universal themes embodied in the arts.
C-Lite: This is your second year at the Avenues. What have you programmed this season that's unique from the last?
GM: Each season brings four completely new and distinct thematic programs. The 2014-2015 season at Avenues includes, in addition to purely musical programs, one of music and original dance and another with an actor creating a narrative between and through music and text.
C-Lite: The Reflections series has been presented not just in New York, but around the world, too. Any salient differences between U.S. audiences, as compared to overseas?
GM: Each audience is different, even in the same city. There are aspects of how and under what circumstances concerts are presented that are different around the world. And cultural norms may differ, but on stage, one can feel whether or not the audience is “with you.” And that’s the same everywhere.
C-Lite: Back to teaching, how do you think Reflections has influenced your own students?
GM: My work with the students is not musical instruction, rather helping them find a way to synthesize the knowledge they are acquiring in their academic subjects. For the younger students, the most important thing is for them to understand that good is not good enough, and that revision is no different than practicing. It’s the only way to get better. For the older students, my concern is that they see the larger picture and not just each academic subject in isolation. I try to get them to “connect the dots” between subjects using their creativity and imagination.
C-Lite: OK, so any plans post-"Nature's Bounty?"
GM: I have about a week to sleep before preparing for the summer season...
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