A Far Cry, Angélica Negrón & Nicholas Phan
The 2023-24 Kaufman Music Center Artists-in-Residence are the trailblazing self-conducted orchestra A Far Cry, the composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón and the Grammy-nominated tenor and educator Nicholas Phan.
Angélica Negrón says, “I’m thrilled to join Kaufman Music Center as an Artist-in-Residence and explore new possibilities of creating music from unexpected sources together with their students and audiences. I’m particularly excited about being part of a community that by design allows for educational activities and professional experiences to fluidly coexist in a way in which learning, exploring, making and sharing are beautifully intertwined.”
Kaufman Music Center’s Artists-in-Residence are pioneering composers, performers and ensembles who are developing groundbreaking multidisciplinary projects as well as educational opportunities to mentor and inspire. From masterclasses to imaginative performance experiences, you’ll find them on stage at Merkin Hall, in our classrooms and out in the community participating in dynamic and engaging learning experiences with students across our programs. The 2023 Artists-in-Residence are an extraordinary group of trailblazers who are shaping the music field, and who share a deep commitment to the next generation.
A Far Cry
Celebrated as “imagination-grabbing” and “trailblazing” by WQXR, the “joyfully musician-led” (Boston Globe) self-conducted string orchestra is a democracy in which decisions are made collectively and leadership rotates among the players. Named Boston’s best classical ensemble, A Far Cry has risen to the top of Billboard’s Traditional Classical Chart and has received two Grammy nominations. Their omnivorous approach has led to collaborations with artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Simone Dinnerstein, Awadagin Pratt, Roomful of Teeth, the Silk Road Ensemble, Vijay Iyer and Caroline Shaw.
Angélica Negrón
Puerto Rican-born composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón writes music for chamber ensembles, orchestras, choir and film as well as accordions, robotic instruments, toys and electronics. Her music has been described as “wistfully idiosyncratic and contemplative” (WQXR) while The New York Times noted her “capacity to surprise.” Negrón has been commissioned by the Bang on a Can All-Stars, Kronos Quartet, loadbang, MATA Festival, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, Sō Percussion, the American Composers Orchestra and the New York Botanical Garden, among others. She has composed numerous film scores in collaboration with filmmaker Cecilia Aldarondo and was the recipient of the 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize. Angélica Negrón’s Artist Residency is generously underwritten by The Roz Lasker Artist Mentorship Fund.
Nicholas Phan
Hailed as “one of the world’s most remarkable singers” (Boston Globe), “one of the most beautiful young lyric voices around” (Opera News) and “an artist who must be heard” (NPR), American tenor, curator and educator Nicholas Phan has been praised for his keen intelligence, captivating stage presence and natural musicianship. He performs regularly with the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies and is also an avid recitalist. In 2010 he co-founded the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago to promote art song and vocal chamber music, where he serves as artistic director. A celebrated recording artist and three-time Grammy nominee, Phan is the first singer of Asian descent to receive a Grammy nomination in the Best Classical Solo Vocal Album category.
Event Highlights
A Far Cry
- March 2, 7:30 pm – At Odds: The Concerto Grosso
Music by Ernst Bloch plus NYC premieres by Jungyoon Wie and Errollyn Wallen - March 3, 2& 3:30 pm – Listening Lab Sessions: An Interactive Concert Experience
- March 4, 1 pm – Public Masterclass with Special Music School Orchestra
- Throughout the season: Coaching student ensembles at Lucy Moses School and Special Music School
Angélica Negrón
- January 18, 7:30 pm – Performance with Face the Music, a collaboration with visual artist Sophie Parker
- January 22-27 – Negrón records her first solo album with Face the Music students
- March 2024 – Instrument building workshops with students from Special Music School High School
Nicholas Phan
- December 11, 7:30 pm – What Makes It Great? performance with host Rob Kapilow
- March 11, 12 pm – Public Masterclass with Kaufman Music Center vocal students
- May 30, 7:30 pm – Performance with Jasper String Quartet and pianist Myra Huang featuring the world premiere of a Kaufman Music Center co-commissioned work by Vivian Fung addressing climate change
- Throughout the season: Coaching and masterclasses with Lucy Moses School and Special Music School High School vocalists
