performances

Concert Spotlight: Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet at the Museum of Science on 11/30/17 for “Synesthesia Suite: Constellations”

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Greetings, one and all! Now that Mary’s 2017 Autumn/Winter concert dates have been announced, individual posts will be made on this blog to let you know all the awesome details! Here is one now!:


Join Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet on Thursday, November 30th @ 7:30pm for a magical evening of strings, synesthesia, and starlight at the Museum of Science‘ Charles Hayden Planetarium! In this special concert, MBPQ will perform the world premiere of “Synesthesia Suite: Constellations”, a new collection of classical-meets-pop works inspired by the night sky, as well as a number of Mary’s previous compositions and cherished cover songs reimagined for double-viola string quartet.


Best of all, these pieces will be accompanied by live synesthesia-influenced visuals on the Planetarium dome, allowing you to “hear” color and “see” sound just as Mary does when she listens to music!


Tickets are on sale now at the following link!:
https://www.mos.org/public-events/synesthesia-suite-constellations


And the Facebook invite is right here!:
https://www.facebook.com/events/269343276913837/


Hope you can join us — it’s sure to be a stellar evening! :D


11/30/17 MARY BICHNER AND PLANETARY QUARTET AT THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
When: Thursday, November 30th @ 7:30pm
Where: Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science, Boston (1 Science Park, Boston MA 02144)
Tickets: $20 General Admission (all-ages)
Ticket Link: https://www.mos.org/public-events/synesthesia-suite-constellations
FB Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/269343276913837/
Performers: Mary Bichner (Composer / Vocals / Piano), Tudor Dornescu (Violin), Anna Stromer (Viola I), Carrol Lee (Viola II), Alan Toda-Amabaras (Cello)


This work has been supported in part by Marble House Project, a not-­for-profit organization.

Autumn/Winter 2017 Concert Dates Announced

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Happy almost-autumn, one and all!


Just a note to let you know that the dates for the first half of Mary’s 2017-2018 concert season have been announced. These events will include a pop-up concert celebrating Mount Auburn Cemetery’s 186th anniversary (Sept 24), a special guest appearance with Edgar Allan Poe (Oct 22), a composer residency concert with 19-piece orchestra at Mount Auburn Cemetery featuring the premiere of Mary’s “Mount Auburn: Autumn Suite” (Nov 4), and a Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet concert at the Museum of Science’s Charles Hayden Planetarium featuring the premiere Mary’s forthcoming work, “Synesthesia Suite: Constellations” (Nov 30).


Individual postings for each concert with complete details will be made available on this page quite soon, but in the meantime you can obtain info on all of the concerts via the Performances page right here:


https://www.marybichner.com/performances


Thanks for reading and hope to see you there! <3

TODAY: Album Release and Concert for “Mount Auburn: Spring and Autumn Suites”

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“Mount Auburn: Spring and Autumn Suites” is released TODAY! Hooray! <3 You listen to the album in full, and download a free digital copy, right here!:

ALBUM DOWNLOAD LINK: https://marybichner.bandcamp.com/album/mount-auburn-spring-and-autumn-suites


And, there are a just few tickets left (less than ten!) for today’s album release concert, here is the link!:
http://mountauburn.org/2017/mount-auburn-spring-suite-concert-with-composer-mary-bichner/


Thank you Mount Auburn Cemetery for creating and supporting this incredible project, and thank you to all of the wonderful musicians of both the recording sessions and today’s concert, as well as our awesome audio team!:


ALBUM MUSICIANS: Kristo Kondakçi (Conductor), Katharina Giegling (Concertmaster), Sonia Deng (Violin), Abby Swidler (Violin), Christopher McClain (Viola I Principal & Viola soloist), Minjung Chun (Viola I), Carrol Lee (Viola II Principal), Foxman McCarthy-James (Viola II), Aron Zelkowicz (Cello principal), Nash Tomey (Double Bass Principal), Arielle Burke (Flute), Elizabeth England (Oboe), David Angelo (Clarinet), Susie Telsey (Bassoon), Evan Leontis (Soprano), Mali Sastri (Tenor), Seth Grondin (Bass [vocals]) and Paul Jacobs (Piano Soloist).


CONCERT MUSICIANS: Kristo Kondakçi (Conductor), Sonia Deng (Concertmaster), Tudor Dornescu (Violin), Travis Rapoza (Violin), Christopher McClain (Viola I Principal & Viola Soloist), Dominick Boyle (Viola I), Anna Stromer (Viola II Principal), Teresa Bloemer (Viola II), Cherry Kim (Cello Principal), Moisés Carrasco (Double Bass Principal), Allison Parramore (Flute), Laura Pardee Schaefer (Oboe), David Dziardziel, (Clarinet), Susannah Telsey (Bassoon), Keith Kirchoff (Piano Soloist), Mali Sastri (Vocalist & Guest Composer), Molly Zenobia (Vocalist)


AUDIO AND TECH: Antonio Oliart Ros (Recording), Peter Moore (Editing, Mixing and Mastering), Lainey Schooltree (Live Concert Sound Engineer), Xiao’an Li (Consultant)


Thanks to one and all — and Happy Spring! <3 <3 <3

Saturday, June 3rd: Composer Residency Album Release & Concert at Mount Auburn Cemetery with Orchestra

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“Mount Auburn: Spring and Autumn Suites”, the album of new works composed by Mary during her two-year composer residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery, will be released on Saturday June 3, 2017! To celebrate the release of this album, Mount Auburn will be hosting a concert on the same day, Saturday June 3rd at 2:00pm, featuring the live premiere of the Spring Suite performed by an 18-piece orchestra (including Mary!), as well as several of Mary’s previous pop and classic works re-imagined for chamber orchestra.


Tickets are now available, and can be purchased here!:
http://mountauburn.org/2017/mount-auburn-spring-suite-concert-with-composer-mary-bichner/


Complete details are below. We hope you can join us!:


COMPOSER RESIDENCY ALBUM RELEASE & CONCERT: JUNE 3 @ MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY
When: Saturday, June 3 @ 2:00pm
Where: Story Chapel @ Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge MA 02138)
Tickets: $20 General Admission / $10 FoMAC Members (all-ages)
Ticket Link: http://mountauburn.org/2017/mount-auburn-spring-suite-concert-with-composer-mary-bichner/
FB Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/290811531345563/293752297718153
Performers: Mary Bichner (Composer / Vocalist), Kristo Kondakçi (Conductor), Sonia Deng (Concertmaster), Tudor Dornescu (Violin), Travis Rapoza (Violin), Christopher McClain (Viola I Principal & Viola Soloist), Dominick Boyle (Viola I), Anna Stromer (Viola II Principal), Teresa Bloemer (Viola II), Cherry Kim (Cello Principal), Moisés Carrasco (Double Bass Principal), Allison Parramore (Flute), Laura Pardee Schaefer (Oboe), David Dziardziel, (Clarinet), Susannah Telsey (Bassoon), Keith Kirchoff (Piano Soloist), Mali Sastri (Vocalist & Guest Composer), Molly Zenobia (Vocalist)

Details: Please join us for the world premiere of Mary’s new work, “Mount Auburn: Spring Suite”! Over the past year, Mary has written music inspired by the landscape of Mount Auburn and words from resident poets. She will perform as part of an 18-piece chamber orchestra for this concert in Mount Auburn’s beautiful Story Chapel!

This Thursday, May 4th: Pop-Up Concert at Mount Auburn Cemetery for ArtWeek Boston

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It’s almost here! <3 On Thursday May 4th @ 12:00pm, Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet look forward to playing a pop-up concert at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Bigelow Chapel in honor of ArtWeek Boston! MBPQ will perform a special preview of the string quartet Mary composed inspired by Bigelow Chapel’s stained-glass windows, and there will be a post-concert lecture with Mount Auburn’s Curator of Historical Collections, the awesome Meg L. Winslow. Featuring the wonderful performers Sonia Deng (violin), Anna Stromer (viola I), Abby Swidler (viola II) and Nick Dinnerstein (cello). Here is complete info on this free, all-ages show!:

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POP-UP CONCERT: MAY 4TH @ BIGELOW CHAPEL, MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY
When: Thursday, May 4th @ 12:00pm
Where: Bigelow Chapel @ Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge MA 02138)
Tickets: FREE (all-ages)
Performers: Mary Bichner (vocals/guitar), Sonia Deng (violin), Anna Stromer (viola I), Abby Swidler (viola II), Nick Dinnerstein (cello).
Details: Join Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet for a special 20-minute pop-up concert in honor of ArtWeek Boston! Part of the pop-up concert series for Mary’s
two-year composer residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Additional info is HERE on the ArtWeek website.


(PLEASE NOTE: Because the concert location is a five-to-ten minute walk from the cemetery’s main gates, we advise that you arrive by 11:50AM to allow walking time to Bigelow Chapel. Thank you!)

Thursday, May 4th: Pop-Up Concert at Mount Auburn Cemetery for ArtWeek Boston

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On Thursday May 4th @ 12:00pm, Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet look forward to playing a pop-up concert at Mount Auburn Cemetery’s Bigelow Chapel in honor of ArtWeek Boston! MBPQ will perform a special preview of the string quartet Mary composed inspired by Bigelow Chapel’s stained-glass windows, and there will be a post-concert lecture with Mount Auburn’s Curator of Historical Collections, the awesome Meg L. Winslow. Featuring the wonderful performers Sonia Deng (violin), Anna Stromer (viola I), Abby Swidler (viola II) and Nick Dinnerstein (cello). Here is complete info on this free, all-ages show!:


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POP-UP CONCERT: MAY 4TH @ BIGELOW CHAPEL, MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY
When: Thursday, May 4th @ 12:00pm
Where: Bigelow Chapel @ Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge MA 02138)
Tickets: FREE (all-ages)
Performers: Mary Bichner (vocals/guitar), Sonia Deng (violin), Anna Stromer (viola I), Abby Swidler (viola II), Nick Dinnerstein (cello).
Details: Join Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet for a special 20-minute pop-up concert in honor of ArtWeek Boston! Part of the pop-up concert series for Mary’s
two-year composer residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Additional info is HERE on the ArtWeek website.


(PLEASE NOTE: Because the concert location is a five-to-ten minute walk from the cemetery’s main gates, we advise that you arrive by 11:50AM to allow walking time to Bigelow Chapel. Thank you!)

“Mount Auburn Cemetery: Spring and Autumn Suites” – Album Release Date June 3rd 2017, Concerts Dates June 3rd 2017 & November 4th 2017

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Hooray — it’s official! “Mount Auburn Cemetery: Spring and Autumn Suites”, the collection of compositions Mary created as part of her two-year composer residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery, will be released as a digital album on June 3, 2017. The release will also be paired with two live concerts at Mount Auburn to premiere the works; a Spring Suite concert on June 3, 2017; and an Autumn Concert on November 4, 2017.


Here is a video by the awesome Rebecca Kopycisnki celebrating the news, featuring our wonderful musical ensemble and a preview of the Piano Concerto in C:





Ticket information for both concerts can be found on the Performances page, and the full press release can be found on the new Mount Auburn page.


A very special thank you to the incredible artistic team that brought this music and album to life!: Kristo Kondakçi (conductor), Katharina Giegling (concertmaster), Sonia Deng (violin), Abby Swidler (violin), Christopher McClain (viola I principal and concerto soloist), Minjung Chun (viola I), Carrol Lee (viola II principal), Foxman James (viola II), Aron Zelkowicz (cello principal), Nash Tomey (contrabass principal), Arielle Burke (flute), Elizabeth England (oboe), David Angelo (clarinet), Susannah Telsey (bassoon), Evangelia Leontis (soprano), Mali Sastri (mezzo-soprano/tenor), Seth Grondin (bass), Paul Jacobs (piano), Xiao’an Li (consultant), Antonio Oliart Ros (recording/engineer), Peter Moore (mixing/mastering), and of course, everyone at the wonderful Mount Auburn Cemetery!

Thanks for reading, and more Mount Auburn magic is on the way shortly! <3

Wednesday, April 12th: Poetry-Inspired Pop-Up Concert With Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet at Mount Auburn Cemetery

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As part of her two-year composer residency, Mary is pleased to announce a new pop-up concert to be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery on Wednesday, April 12th @ 6:30pm. In honor of National Poetry Month, this concert will feature Mary’s musical settings of famous poets’ works, including several previews of the new pieces Mary has composed as part of her Mount Auburn residency. She will be joined by the wonderful Planetary Quartet, featuring: Sue Buzzard (violin), Anna Stromer (viola I), Carroll Lee (viola II), and Aron Zelkowicz (cello).



The performance will take place at the James Russell Lowell Memorial, a short walk (approximately ten minutes) from the cemetery’s front gates. The concert is free and all ages!



Complete details are below, and are also available via the Performances page. Hope to see you there!


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POP-UP CONCERT: APRIL 12TH @ JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL MEMORIAL, MOUNT AUBURN CEMETERY
When: Wednesday, April 12 @ 6:30pm
Where: James Russell Lowell Memorial @ Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge MA 02138)
Tickets: FREE (all-ages)
Performers: Mary Bichner (vocals/guitar), Sue Buzzard (violin), Anna Stromer (viola I), Carrol Lee (viola II), Aron Zelkowicz (cello).
Details: Join Mary Bichner and Planetary Quartet for a special 20-minute pop-up concert inspired by National Poetry Month! Part of the pop-up concert series for Mary’s two-year composer residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery.


(PLEASE NOTE: Because the concert location is a ten-to-fifteen minute walk from the cemetery’s main gates, we advise that you arrive by 6:15PM to allow walking time to the James Russell Lowell Memorial. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held indoors at Mount Auburn. Thank you!)

Tuesday, April 4th: “Meet the Instruments” Children’s Concert at Watertown Free Public Library

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How does a flute make its sound? Where did the piano get its name? Join Mount Auburn Cemetery composer-in-residence Mary Bichner as she shares fun facts about her favorite musical instruments as part of a lively, family-friendly concert! Details are below!:


4/4/17: “MEET THE INSTRUMENTS” CHILDREN’S CONCERT AT WATERTOWN FREE PUBLIC LIBARY
WHEN: Tuesday April 4 @ 4:00PM
WHERE: Watertown Free Public Library (123 Main St. / Watertown, MA 02472)
TICKETS: FREE (all ages)
PERFORMERS: Mary Bichner (vocals/piano/guitar/flute), Sonia Deng (violin), Mali Sastri (vocals/piano/tambourine)


This program is supported in part by a grant from the Watertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.


Composer Residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery: Progress Update

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Greetings, one and all! Here is an end-of-the-year update on Mary’s composer residency at Mount Auburn Cemetery:


At present, Mary is putting the finishing touches on the compositions commissioned as part of her residency, and will have all scores finalized by the end of 2016. She looks forward to recording the new works at Boston’s WGBH Studios in January 2017, and will have more concrete info on both the digital release date and the corresponding live concerts as winter melts into spring.


Wishing everyone a beautiful holiday season, and looking forward to more musical magic in the new year. See you in 2017, everyone!