NEWS
Videos from "Rencontres Poétiques" at The Boston Athenaeum Now on YouTube
June 20, 2025
( Photo credit: Dave Jamrog )
It's the first day of summer, and what better way to celebrate than with some new videos from Mary Bichner and Christina Goh's "Rencontres Poétiques" concert at the Boston Athenaeum earlier this year!
Filmed and produced beautifully by videographer Dave Jamrog, the videos were captured during the fourth edition of "Rencontres Poétiques" (a poetry-focused international concert series created by composers Mary Bichner [USA] and Christina Goh [France]), which took place at the historic Boston Athenaeum of Boston, MA, USA on April 10th 2025. The concert featured musical settings composed by Bichner and Goh for classic poems in both French and English; inspired by the works of Yves Bonnefoy, Phillis Wheatley, Emily Dickinson, Ovid, and more.
First up is the gorgeous Christina Goh composition "Trouveur", an homage to the troubadours of the High Middle Ages (which has already recieved over 20,000 views on Christina's Instagram account!):
Next is Mary's composition "Á la seine", a musical setting of excerpts from the Marceline Desbordes-Valmore poem of the same name, performed by Mary and Christina as a duet:
The concert also featured the premiere of Christina and Mary's collaborative composition "Nostra vita (éternelle clarté)", a new a cappella work inspired by the first and last twelve lines of Dante Alighieri's "La divina commedia":
Additional videos from the fourth edition of "Rencontres Poètiques" can be found on Mary and Christina's YouTube channels.
Wishing everyone a lovely summer, and talk to you soon!
Released Today: "EFTA Suite", A Synesthetic String Quartet Inspired by The Vasilicos of Santorini, Greece
May 16, 2025
( Image: The "EFTA Suite" album cover, featuring a photo by Nikos Alexopoulos )
"EFTA Suite", a new synesthetic string quartet by iconic Greek hotel The Vasilicos and American orchestral composer Mary Bichner, is released today! Performed gorgeously by members of The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, the two-movement work is now available on all streaming services (including Spotify and Apple Music), or you can listen right here via Soundcloud:
Mary composed "EFTA Suite" after serving as composer-in-residence at The Vasilicos in May 2024, as part of the Santorini-based hotel's innovative “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc residency program. Each movement of the work conjures a specific memory from Mary's time in residence, with individual musical keys chosen to best "match" the experiences via Mary's synesthetic color palette.
For even more information on this wonderful project, here is a beautiful Instagram post that The Vasilicos shared today, in connection with the release:
Thank you so very much to founder and curator Daphne Valambous as well as all of The Vasilicos' team for this amazing collaboration, and for all of the incredible art the hotel brings to life via its "[To Build] A [Temporary] Home" program -- and beyond! And thank you one and all for listening to "EFTA Suite"!
Thank you so much to Dave Jamrog for the beautiful videos, to the Boston Athenaeum for collaborating with Mary and Christina on such a wonderful concert, and to everyone who attended and/or gives the videos and look and listen!
Interview Excerpt: Mary Discusses "White Lilies" on NPR's "Three Song Stories"
May 7, 2025
While in Fort Myers this past February to perform with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Mary was thrilled to be interviewed by Mike Kiniry for NPR's "Three Song Stories"; a weekly radio show in which each guest is asked to name three songs that have directly impacted their lives, and to share their personal narratives behind each.
Here is a brief excerpt of clips from the interview, in which Mary discusses the February 2025 world orchestral premiere and composition process behind her latest work for vocalist and orchestra, "White Lilies":
To listen to the full hour-long interview, you can visit NPR's website below (simply scroll down to "Episode 364 - Mary Bichner" under the heading "February 24th 2025"):
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/593528986/three-song-stories
Thanks so much to Mike Kiniry, Richard Chin Quee, Emma Rodriguez, and the whole "Three Song Stories" team for inviting Mary to be on the show; and looking forward to sharing more news on "White Lilies" in the future!
New "Fair Isle" Artwork by Chess Albaneze
April 29, 2025
( Image: "Fair Isle" logo and artwork by Chess Albaneze )
"Fair Isle", a fifteen-minute orchestral "mini" opera by composer Mary Bichner and librettist John J King, now has beautiful new cover art by visual artist and composer Chess Albaneze. Thank you so much to Chess for creating this lovely image to pair with the opera!
Inspired by an episode in the life of American illustrator/author Edward Gorey, “Fair Isle” tells the tale of Ted (Edward Gorey) and Tom, two friends in the midst of a month-long trip through the Scottish Isles. With Tom, Ted’s heart swells like a storming sea, but – as Ted searches for the right words – Tom’s feelings remain firmly planted on earthy matters.
Although not yet recorded, you can listen to a MIDI-instrument version of "Fair Isle" paired with its libretto, in the following video:
For more info on "Fair Isle", including access to a copy of the libretto and score, you can visit the official project page right here.
Thanks so much again to Chess for this beautiful artwork, and wishing everyone a lovely end to their April!
Coming May 16th: "EFTA SUITE", A SYNESTHETIC STRING QUARTET INSPIRED BY THE VASILICOS OF SANTORINI, GREECE
April 14, 2025
( Image: The "EFTA Suite" album cover, featuring a photo by Nikos Alexopoulos )
Mary Bichner, an American orchestral composer with sound-to-color-synesthesia; and The Vasilicos, an elegant seven-suite boutique hotel perched on the magnificent Caldera of Santorini, Greece; are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new synesthesia-inspired string quartet work entitled “EFTA Suite”. Deriving its name from Efta, one of The Vasilicos’ most intimate and romantic suites, “EFTA Suite” captures a series of beautiful moments – a brilliant kaleidoscopic sunset, and a colorful breakfast unexpectedly accompanied by a pair of cheeky sparrows – as experienced by the composer from the cliff-hanging Efta terrace.
The genesis of this new musical work and collaborative partnership began in late autumn 2023, when Mary was honored to have been named The Vasilicos’ 2024 artist-in-residence as part of the hotel’s “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc residency program. While in residence at The Vasilicos in late May 2024, Mary conducted research and recorded detailed observations for “EFTA Suite” using her sound-to-color synesthesia (a neurological condition that allows Mary to “see” splashes of specific colors when she hears their corresponding pitches sounded). The composition process was complete by September; and in October “EFTA Suite” was recorded by members of The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, in partnership with The Vasilicos.
The work consists of two movements, each conjuring a distinct and special memory Mary recalls from her residency in The Vasilicos’ Efta Suite. The titles for each movement are snippets of verses by the celebrated Greek poet Sappho, found in a dual-language anthology of Sappho’s poetry – If Not, Winter: Fragments of Sappho by Canadian poet and translator Anne Carson – housed in the Efta Suite’s capsule library.
Movement I, “mingled with all kinds of colors / παντοδάπαις <ι> μεμ<ε>ιχμένα χροίαισιν”, is a tender larghetto inspired by viewing a series of magnificent sunsets from The Vasilicos’ Efta Suite balcony. It was composed in the key of C#-major (pale yellow, pale purple, and pale red) to commemorate the colors found in the sky during Mary’s visit.
Movement II, “quick sparrows / ὤκεες στροῦθοι”, is a sprightly allegro vivace which illustrates a pair of small birds inquisitively hopping around the patio table of a colorful, fruit-laden breakfast. The piece was composed in Eb-major (vibrant blue, vibrant green, and vibrant orange) to match the iconic blue found in The Vasilicos’ signature Burleigh Blue Calico breakfast plates.
"EFTA Suite" will be released to the general public on May 16th 2025 via most audio streaming platforms, while all The Vasilicos guests this summer will be given a special gift to commemorate the release. A live premiere of of the work is anticipated for the future.
More information on The Vasilicos can be found on their official website, and more information on their ad hoc residency program can be found via the “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” subpage.
Thank you so much to The Vasilicos for this amazing collaboration, and looking forward to May 16th for the release of "EFTA Suite"!
“Rencontres Poétiques” at the Boston Athenaeum -- thank you!
April 11, 2025
( Photo credit: Dave Jamrog )
Thank you so much to everyone who joined Mary and Christina for the fourth edition of "Rencontres Poétiques" at the Boston Athenaeum on April 10th! It was an honor to perform for you.
We also express our heartfelt thanks to the Boston Athenaeum for inviting us to perform in their beautiful Long Room, surrounded by so much amazing art and history; and to the French Library of Boston, who partnered with the Athenaeum for the concert.
Additional photos and videos from the fourth edition of "Rencontres Poétiques" will be made available in the weeks to come. Until then, merci beaucoup and wishing everyone a lovely spring!
tickets now available:“Rencontres Poétiques” concert with Christina Goh at the Boston Athenaeum on April 10th, 2025
March 11, 2025
( Photo via: bostonathenaeum.org )
In honor of National Poetry Month, composers Christina Goh (France) and Mary Bichner (USA) welcome you to join them for the fourth edition of their international chamber concert series, “Rencontres Poétiques"! This poetry-focused performance will feature original musical settings composed by Bichner and Goh for classic poems in both French and English; inspired by the works of Phillis Wheatley, Yves Bonnefoy, Emily Dickinson, Ovid, Marceline Desbordes-Valmore, Benjamin Franklin, and more. The concert will also include the world premiere of “Nostra vita (éternelle clarté)”; a new collaborative composition by Goh and Bichner centered upon verses from Dante Alighieri’s epic narrative poem, La divina commedia.
This fourth edition of “Rencontres Poétiques" will take place at the historic Boston Athenaeum on Thursday April 10th @ 7:00pm. Boston Athenaeum concerts often sell out quickly, so purchasing tickets in advance is highly encouraged! You can purchase tickets right here:
Ticket holders also have the option to make a reservation at Folio, the Athenaeum's beautiful new restaurant, for a special three-course pre-fixe menu exclusive to attendees of "Rencontres Poétiques", with seatings perfectly coordinated prior to the concert's start time. (After purchasing your tickets online, you will receive a separate email from the Athenaeum on how to make your Folio reservation -- as well as all of the delicious menu details!)
Thank you so much to Christina Goh and the Boston Athenaeum for this wonderful new concert, and looking forward to seeing everyone on April 10th!
interview ON npr's "three song stories" released today
February 24, 2025
While in Fort Myers earlier this month to perform with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Mary was thrilled to be interviewed by Mike Kiniry for NPR's "Three Song Stories"; a weekly radio show in which each guest is asked to name three songs that have directly impacted their lives, and to share their personal narratives behind each. For her interview, Mary selected "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead, "Question" by The Moody Blues, and "Movement II: Adagio" of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major (technically not a song since it has no lyrics, but your indulgence is requested :)).
Mary's episode of "Three Song Stories" has been released today, and you can listen to it in full right here on NPR's website (simply scroll down to "Episode 364 - Mary Bichner" under the heading "February 24th 2025"):
https://www.npr.org/podcasts/593528986/three-song-stories
The episode will also air on WGCU, Southwest Florida's NPR Network, at 10:00am on both Saturday March 1st and Sunday March 2nd.
Thanks so much to Mike Kiniry, Richard Chin Quee, Emma Rodriguez, and the whole "Three Song Stories" team for inviting Mary to be on the show; and hope everyone enjoys the interview! <3
"you've got mail!" concert series + "white lilies" ORCHESTRAL PREMIERE with andrew lipke and the southwest floridA symphony orchestra - THANK YOU!
February 18, 2025
( Photo: Mary premieres "White Lilies" with Andrew Lipke and the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra / Photo credit: SWFLSO )
Thank you so much Maestro Andrew Lipke and the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra for inviting Mary to perform with them for SWFLSO's "You've Got Mail!: Musical Love Letters" Valentine's Day concert series this past weekend! And a very special thanks to Andrew and SWFLSO for premiering "White Lilies", Mary's latest work for full orchestra, as part of the program -- it was an honor to debut this new piece with you.
Thank you so much also to everyone who attended this weekend's performances -- you were a delight!
Mary's next performance will be at the Boston Athenaeum on April 10th with French composer Christina Goh, for the fourth edition of their "Rencontres Poétiques" international chamber concert series -- more info can be found on the Calendar page right here.
Thanks again to one and all, and hope you had a Happy Valentine's Day! <3
up next: "you've got mail!" concert series (including "white lilies" orchestral premiere) with andrew lipke and the southwest floridA symphony orchestra on feb 14th + 15th 2025
January 11, 2025
( Maestro Andrew Lipke performing with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra / Photo credit: The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra )
Happy New Year one and all! Mary is honored to return to Fort Myers to perform with multi-talented maestro Andrew Lipke and the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra for the "You've Got Mail!: Musical Love Letters" concert series on February 14th and 15th, 2025.
This unique Valentine's Day-themed concert series will feature classic love songs from both past and present -- everything from The Beatles to Broadway -- in brand new orchestral arrangements created by Andrew and Mary especially for "You've Got Mail!".
The program will also feature several original works by both composers; including the orchestral premiere of Mary Bichner's "White Lilies" as well as orchestral premieres for Andrew Lipke's "Stick By You", "Baby, I'm Sorry", and "Bright as Any Diamond".
The February 14th edition of concert will take place at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, Florida, USA at 7:00PM; and the February 15th edition will take place at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda, Florida, USA at 7:30PM. Tickets range from $25.00-$115.00 for this all-ages concert series, and can be reserved via the SWFLSO ticket page:
Thank you so much to Andrew Lipke and the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra for inviting Mary to perform, and looking forward to seeing everyone at "You've Got Mail!"!
Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert Series - Thank You!
December 13, 2024
( Photo: concert programs from SWFLSO's Holiday Pops concert series, featuring cute elven portraits of Mary and Andrew! )
Thank you so much to the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Andrew Lipke for inviting Mary to perform with them for SWFLSO's Holiday Pops concert series earlier this week! And thank you so much to everyone who joined us for the concerts, it was a joy to sing for (and with!) you!
Mary looks forward to performing with Maestro Lipke and the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra again in February 2025 for a special Valentine's Day concert series -- more info can be found on the Calendar page right here.
Until then, wishing everyone a very happy holiday season and new year!
Up Next: Guest Singer @ The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops Concert Series Dec 9th-11th
December 1, 2024
( Photo: Maestro Andrew Lipke performing with The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra )
Happy Holidays one and all! This month, Mary looks forward to appearing as a guest vocalist for the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra's annual Holiday Pops Concert, hosted and conducted by Maestro Andrew Lipke. This joyful performance series will take place in several venues across Southwest Florida, including the Tribby Arts Center in Fort Meyers, FL (12/9), the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda, FL (12/10), and Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, FL (12/11).
Tickets range from $30-$65 for this all-ages performance series, and can be purchased via SWLFSO's Concert and Events page here:
Thanks so much to the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and composer/conductor Andrew Lipke for inviting Mary to perform, and looking forward to these wonderful shows!
Recordings for Composer Residency with The Vasilicos Now Complete
November 24, 2024
( Photo: Members of the Budapest Scoring Orchestra record Mary's new string quartet compositions at Rottenbiller Studio in Budapest, Hungary. )
Great news! Recordings for the two new string quartet works Mary composed as part of her May 2024 composer residency at The Vasilicos of Santorini, Greece; are now complete.
The works were performed beautifully by members of the Budapest Scoring Orchestra at Rottenbiller Studio in Budapest, Hungary during a recording session in October 2024; and were mixed and mastered in November 2024.
These two new string quartet pieces were commissioned by the The Vasilicos of Santorini, Greece; an elegant seven-suite boutique hotel perched on the magnificent Santorini Caldera, as part of its “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc residency program. Mary is the third artist-in-residence in the program, and the first composer in its history. Previous recipients of the residency include Felicia Simion (2022) and Saori Kuno (2013).
While in residence at The Vasilicos In May of 2024, Mary began research for a new composition using her sound-to-color synesthesia, inspired by the rainbow hues of the world-famous Santorini sunset as viewed from The Vasilicos’ Efta balcony. And, as sometimes inspiration strikes unexpectedly, a second "bonus" track was composed as well! :)
More information on these newly-recorded string quartet works, including release dates and premiere information, will be made available in 2025.
Thank you so much to The Vasilicos for this incredible residency and collaboration, and to Budapest Scoring Orchestra for such a wonderful recording project. And wishing everyone a lovely start to their holiday season!
New Concert: “Rencontres Poétiques” with Christina Goh at the boston athenaeum on april 10th, 2025
September 20, 2024
( Photo via: bostonathenaeum.org )
Composers Christina Goh (France) and Mary Bichner (USA) are honored to announce that Rencontres Poétiques, their collaborative bilingual poetry-inspired concert series, will be returning to the stage on April 10th, 2025. This fourth edition of the concert will take place at the historic Boston Athenaeum in Boston, MA, USA.
More details on this show, including ticket information, will be made available in 2025.
Thank you so much to Christina Goh and the Boston Athenaeum for this wonderful new concert, and looking forward to seeing everyone there!
TRAVELOGUE: COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE AT THE VASILICOS OF SANTORINI, GREECE [MAY 2024]
July 3, 2024
Earlier this year, Mary was honored to serve composer-in-residence at The Vasilicos, an elegant seven-suite boutique hotel perched on the magnificent Caldera of Santorini, Greece; as part of its “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc residency program. While in residence in late May 2024, Mary took notes and conducted research for a new string quartet work using her sound-to-color synesthesia, inspired by the rainbow hues of the world-famous Santorini sunset, as viewed from The Vasilicos’ Efta balcony.
Here are a few photos and stories from Mary's time in Santorini!:
--> CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRAVELOGUE (WITH PHOTOS)
new Concerts: Six Performances with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in 2024 +2025
June 29, 2024
( Image Credit: The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra )
Mary is delighted to have been invited to perform with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra for their 2024-2025 season!
First up, in December 2024, Mary looks forward to appearing as a guest vocalist for SWFLSO's annual Holiday Pops Concert, hosted and conducted by Maestro Andrew Lipke. This joyful performance series will take place in several venues across Southwest Florida, including the Tribby Arts Center in Fort Meyers, FL (12/9), the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda, FL (12/10), and Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, FL (12/11).
Then, in February 2025, Mary will return to Southwest Florida for "You've Got Mail!: Musical Love Letters", a Valentine's Day-themed show she'll be co-hosting with conductor (and fellow composer!) Andrew Lipke, alongside the SWFLSO. Together, Mary and Andrew will perform their new orchestrations of classic love songs both past and present, and will also be incorporating a few of their original compositions into the evening (more info on this soon!). The two concerts in this series will take place at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Meyers, FL (2/14), and the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda, FL (2/15).
Tickets range from $25-$115 for these two all-ages performance series, and can be purchased via SWLFSO's Concert and Events page here:
Thanks so much to the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and composer/conductor Andrew Lipke for inviting Mary to perform, and looking forward to these wonderful shows!
mary bichner and singer mali at the lilypad - thank you!
June 25, 2024
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for our sold-out composer concert (and the piano-and-vocal premiere of "White Lilies") at The Lilypad on Sunday, June 23rd! We were delighted to perform for you.
Video was taken of the concert, so we hope to have a few songs posted in the coming weeks.
Thanks so much again to everyone who attended, and to The Lilypad for hosting our concert. We hope to see everyone again soon!
up next: concert with singer mali at The Lilypad in Cambridge, MA, USA on June 23rd 2024
June 12, 2024
It's almost here! On June 23rd, 2024 @ 4:00pm (doors @ 3:30pm); American composers Singer Mali and Mary Bichner will be performing a special "salon"-style concert at The Lilypad (1353 Cambridge Street; Cambridge, MA, USA).
This intimate piano-and-vocal performance will feature original classical-meets-chamberpop music (including the world premiere of Mary's new work, "White Lilies"), impromptu Q&A, and a handful of reimagined early-2000s-era rock covers (because why not).
Tickets are $10 for this all-ages show and can be reserved via the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-bichner-and-singer-mali-at-the-lilypad-tickets-903266021987
Thank you so much to Singer Mali and The Lilypad for this wonderful new concert, and looking forward to seeing everyone on the 23rd!
COMPOSER RESIDENCY AT THE VASILICOS NOW COMPLETE
May 29, 2024
(Above: a beautiful -- and colorful! -- breakfast, perfectly plated on The Vasilicos' Efta balcony.)
Mary is now back home from her composer residency at The Vasilicos of Santorini, Greece (an elegant seven-suite boutique hotel perched on the magnificent Santorini Caldera) as part of The Vasilicos' “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc residency program!
While in residence in late May 2024, Mary took notes and conducted research for a new string quartet work using her sound-to-color synesthesia, inspired by the rainbow hues of the world-famous Santorini sunset as viewed from The Vasilicos’ Efta balcony. The new work is currently being composed, and will later be recorded in partnership with The Vasilicos, with a live premiere anticipated for the future.
Mary is the third artist-in-residence in the program, and the first composer in its history. Previous recipients of the residency include Felicia Simion (2022) and Saori Kuno (2013).
More information on The Vasilicos can be found on their official website, and more information on their ad hoc residency program can be found via the “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” subpage.
THANK YOU so much to The Vasilicos for this incredible residency and collaboration, and to the entire Vasilicos team for their kindness and hospitality -- it was both an honor and a dream come true to participate in the “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” program.
More updates on this project (including a residency travelogue and information on the new string quartet's composition and premiere) will be shared in the coming months. Until then, Σας ευχαριστώ!
New Concert with singer mali at The Lilypad in Cambridge, MA, USA on June 23rd 2024
May 8, 2024
American composers Singer Mali and Mary Bichner are thrilled to announce a new collaborative concert at The Lilypad (1353 Cambridge Street; Cambridge, MA, USA) on June 23rd, 2024 @ 4:00pm (doors @ 3:30pm).
This intimate piano-and-vocal performance will feature original classical-meets-chamberpop music (including the world premiere of Mary's new work, "White Lilies"), impromptu Q&A, and a handful of reimagined early-2000s-era rock covers (because why not).
Tickets are $10 for this all-ages show and can be reserved via the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mary-bichner-and-singer-mali-at-the-lilypad-tickets-903266021987
Thank you so much to Singer Mali and The Lilypad for this wonderful new concert, and looking forward to June 23rd!
"OFFICIAL" VERSION OF "THE MEMOIRS OF ANTONINA" NOW COMPLETE
May 4, 2024
( Logo and illustration by: Chess Albaneze )
Exciting news! The music and libretto for the "official" version of Mary 's first full length opera inspired by Marie Antoinette, The Memoirs of Antonina, is now complete! Taking its name from a slanderous 18th-century tract about the queen’s rumored exploits & indiscretions, The Memoirs of Antonina focuses on the final two years of Marie Antoinette's life, and pits two versions of the queen (performed by two different singers) against one another: the imagined breezy libertine derided by revolutionary pamphleteers, & the distraught historical figure determined to reclaim her kingdom & her reputation. The opera also sets the stylistic conventions of opera buffa against those of opera seria, resulting in a work that explores both the exasperatingly comic — and profoundly tragic — elements of Marie Antoinette’s story.
Mary composed the first draft of the score and libretto for The Memoirs of Antonina from March 2017 to May 2019. A preview concert of this version took place on Sunday, September 2nd 2018 at the Central Square Theater of Cambridge, MA, USA; featuring the world premiere of five arias and three recitatives from the opera. The concert starred Helen Zhibing Huang as Marie Antoinette, Emily Thorner as Antonina, Neal Ferreira as Louis XVI, and Junhan Choi as Jacques Hébert, with music direction by Berlin-based conductor and vocal coach Tim Ribchester. You can see a recap video of this concert, performed beautifully by the very talented cast, right here:
After a few years away, Mary returned to The Memoirs of Antonina in May of 2022; and set out to create a second, "official" version of the libretto and musical score, which was completed in May of 2024. This completely expanded and revised second iteration features: 1) a far more nuanced & historically-informed libretto (the result of many months of in-depth period research), and 2) a polished and expanded musical run time of over two hours.
With the official version of The Memoirs Antonina now complete, Mary will take a brief break, and return to the opera later in 2024 to begin creating its orchestrations.
For any inquiries regarding The Memoirs of Antonina, please contact the composer/librettist at info [at] marybichner [dot] com. And please stay tuned for more updates, including a preview concert of the new and expanded version, intended for the future!
This month: composer-in-residence at the vasilicos of santorini, greece
May 1, 2024
( Photo Credit: Nikos Alexopoulos )
Later this month, Mary will be traveling to Greece to serve as artist-in-residence at The Vasilicos, an elegant seven-suite boutique hotel perched on the magnificent Caldera of Santorini, Greece; as part of its “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc residency program.
While in residence, Mary will begin the composition of a new string quartet work using her sound-to-color synesthesia, inspired by the rainbow hues of the world-famous Santorini sunset as viewed from The Vasilicos’ Efta balcony.
The work will later be recorded in partnership with The Vasilicos, with a live premiere anticipated for the future.
Mary is the third artist-in-residence in the program, and the first composer in its history. Previous recipients of the residency include Felicia Simion (2022) and Saori Kuno (2013).
More information on The Vasilicos can be found on their official website, and more information on their ad hoc residency program can be found via the “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” subpage.
Thank you so much to The Vasilicos for this amazing collaboration, and please check back at the end of the month for more updates!
Travelogue: "Rencontres poétiques" Concert Week in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, FRance (MARCH 2024)
April 15, 2024
(Above: Salons Ronsard, the beautiful concert venue for "Rencontres Poétiques".)
From March 24th-30th 2024, Mary was delighted to visit the city of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France to perform with composer Christina Goh in the third edition of their poetry inspired concert series, "Rencontres Poétiques". While in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Mary was also honored to meet with the wonderful offices and organizations that made the concert possible, as well as perform in a children's edition of the concert for a local elementary school group. Here are some memories and photos from the week!:
--> CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TRAVELOGUE (WITH PHOTOS)
GUEST PERFORMER ON CHRISTINA GOH'S NEW ALBUM, ANDROMEDE, RELEASED TODAY
April 12, 2024
Mary is honored to be featured as a guest performer on ANDROMEDE; the beautiful new album by composer, blues vocalist, and poet Christina Goh; released today. Here is description of the album by distributor Sergent Company Ltd:
"With ANDROMEDE, the vocalist [Christina Goh] redefines her time frame: her powerful, soulful voice retraces the story of Ovid's mythical Andromeda with a set of wonders rooted in forgotten blues and a strangely contemporary sound. Here, the composer's frequencies twirl between percussion, authentic electric instruments from the 70s and the electronic sounds of the 21st century."
Mary was inivited to play piano for the final track of the album, "Wings of Imagination"; Christina's gorgeous musical setting of the Phillis Wheatley poem, On Imagination.
ANDROMEDE is available as both a physical and digital album, via online music shops as well as all major streaming services.
Congrats to Christina Goh on this amazing new album, and everyone go give a listen to ANDROMEDE!
finalist for the 2024 american prize in composition - orchesrta music
April 9, 2024
Mary is honored to have been named a finalist of The 2024 American Prize, in the category of "Composition - Orchestra Music", for the score of her nine-minute orchestral ballet, "Oh, the OF It All!". Based on a libretto by playwright John J King, "Oh, the OF It All!" tells the tale of American illustrator and author Edward Gorey, and his fondness for George Balanchine's days at the New York City Ballet. You can watch a video of "Oh, the OF It All!", performed beautifully by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, right here:
The American Prize is "the nation's most comprehensive series of contests in the classical arts. The American Prize is nonprofit, unique in scope and structure, and is designed to evaluate, recognize and reward the best performers, ensembles, composers, directors and administrators in the United States, based on submitted recordings." You can find more about this wonderful competition through The American Prize website.
Winners from the list of 2024 finalists in each category will be announced by The American Prize committee later in the year.
Thank you so much to The American Prize for selecting Mary as a 2024 finalist, and congratulations to all of the other finalists!
“Rencontres Poétiques” - THANK YOU!
April 3, 2024
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for "Rencontres Poétiques" at the beautiful Salons Ronsard in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France on March 28th! It was a joy to perform for you, and to share such a wonderful experience together.
And a VERY special thanks to the town of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Salons Ronsard, Art et Poésie de Touraine, Hommes et Patrimoines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France/États-Unis Touraine, and and all of the wonderful people and organizations who made this unique concert and incredible week of collaboration possible!
More info and media on the concert will be posted in the coming weeks. Until then, merci beaucoup and wishing everyone a beautiful spring season!
“Rencontres Poétiques” Concert Featured in La Nouvelle République
March 26, 2024
French newspaper La Nouvelle République has published an article about Mary Bichner and Christina Goh’s sold-out “Rencontes Poétiques” concert in today's Tours edition!
You can read the full article online right here (in French):
And here is a brief snippet from the article translated into English:
"On Thursday March 28, 2024 at 7 p.m., international blues vocalist Christina Goh and award-winning synesthete and orchestral composer Mary Bichner offer a poetic encounter in sound and light in the Ronsard Salons, especially designed for this unique show. [...] 'With this concert, the audience must be able to experience another universe in which we associate sight with hearing,' explains Christina Goh. Indeed, Mary Bichner, who is a synesthete orchestrator, 'sees the music'. When she composes, synesthesia allows her to associate musical notes with specific colors."
Thank you so much to one and all, and looking forward to Thursday’s concert in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire!
sold out: “Rencontres Poétiques” with Christina Goh in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France
March 15, 2024
The third edition of Rencontres Poétiques, the collaborative poetry-inspired concert series by composers Christina Goh (France) and Mary Bichner (USA), is now sold out! The concert will take place on March 28th 2024 @ 7:00pm at the beautiful Salons Ronsard in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France.
Rencontres Poétiques will feature musical settings composed by Christina and Mary for classic poems in both French and English; inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Yves Bonnefoy, Phillis Wheatley, Honoré de Balzac, Benjamin Franklin, Marceline Desbordes-Valmore, Emily Dickinson, and more. The date of the concert is timed to coincide with France’s National Poetry Month, also known as “Le printemps des poètes”.
Although the concert is sold out, if any additional tickets become available, it will be via this link.
Thank you so much to Christina Goh, the town of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, Salons Ronsard, Art et Poésie de Touraine, and Hommes et Patrimoines Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire for their partnership in this concert. And looking forward to seeing everyone on March 28th!
COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE AT THE VASILICOS OF SANTORINI, GREECE IN MAY OF 2024; new string quartet work
January 15, 2024
( Photo Credit: Nikos Alexopoulos )
Composer Mary Bichner is honored to have been named artist-in-residence for 2024 by The Vasilicos, an elegant seven-suite boutique hotel perched on the magnificent Caldera of Santorini, Greece; as part of its “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc residency program.
While in residence in late May 2024, Mary will begin the composition of a new string quartet work using her sound-to-color synesthesia, inspired by the rainbow hues of the world-famous Santorini sunset as viewed from The Vasilicos’ Efta balcony.
The work will later be recorded in partnership with The Vasilicos, with a live premiere anticipated for the future.
Mary is the third artist-in-residence in the program, and the first composer in its history. Previous recipients of the residency include Felicia Simion (2022) and Saori Kuno (2013).
More information on The Vasilicos can be found on their official website, and more information on their ad hoc residency program can be found via the “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” subpage.
Thank you so much to The Vasilicos for this amazing collaboration, and more updates to follow soon!
NEW COMPOSITION: "WHITE LILIES" FOR ALTO VOCALIST AND ORCHESTRA (FORTHCOMING)
January 8, 2024
( Photo Credit: Nikos Alexopoulos )
“White Lilies” is a new work for vocalist and orchestra by composer Mary Bichner. The piece is a brand new musical setting of the 17th-century Scottish poem “James Harris/The Daemon Lover”, which tells the story of a married woman who is visited by her long lost love, whom she thought had died at sea.
The lyrics to the work are a composite of the eight versions of the poem found in The English and Scottish Popular Ballads by Francis James Child [1825-1896], with a few lyrical variations and re-wordings added in by the composer, to preserve the newly-created melody line and structure (as well as to change to storyline just slightly, to make it a bit more operatic :)).
Singularly, Mary has composed “White Lilies” largely — but not entirely — in the Locrian mode, a dissonant modal scale rarely used in Western music due to its instability. The Locrian mode’s mysterious and unsettling energy lends itself perfectly to the historical poem’s haunting tale.
A piano-and-vocal version of “White Lilies” was completed in November and December of 2023, with an orchestral version currently in progress. A live premiere of the piano-and-vocal version is anticipated for Summer/Autumn 2024 (more info TBA), with a recording and live premiere of the orchestral version to follow in the future.
For more info on "White Lilies" and/or to request a demo recording of the piano-and-vocal version, please contact the composer at: info@marybichner.com
New concert: “Rencontres Poétiques” with Christina Goh at Salons Ronsard in Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France on March 28th 2024
January 3, 2024
Composers Christina Goh (France) and Mary Bichner (USA) are delighted to announce that Rencontres Poétiques, their collaborative poetry-inspired concert series, will be returning to the stage on March 28th 2024 @ 7:00PM. This latest edition of the concert will take place at the beautiful Salons Ronsard in the city of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire, France.
The date of the concert is timed to coincide with France’s National Poetry Month in March, also known as “Le printemps des poètes”.
Tickets are free and all ages, and can be reserved via the following link: https://www.saint-cyr-sur-loire.com/Agenda/Rencontres-poetiques
Thank you so much to Christina Goh and Salons Ronsard for this wonderful new concert, and looking forward to March 28th!
New Year, New Website, New Photos
January 1, 2024
( Photo Credit: Emily O'Brien Photography )
It's a new year, and time for a new website! Welcome to the brand new version of marybichner.com, now programmed in Webflow.
The site also features brand new promo photos of Mary for 2024 by the wonderful Emily O’Brien Photography.
Please watch this space for new project and concert announcements coming soon!
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