Concerts

The Saturday night concert on Feb 27, 2016 will feature award-winning percussion ensemble Red Fish Blue Fish, led by Professor Steven Schick.

The New York Times calls red fish blue fish a “dynamic percussion ensemble from the University of California.” Founded twenty years ago by Steven Schick, the San Diego-based ensemble performs, records, and premieres works from the last 85 years of western percussion’s rich history. The group works regularly with living composers from every continent. Recent projects include a world premiere of a Roger Reynolds’ Sanctuary and the American premiere of James Dillon’s epic Nine Rivers cycle with the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE). In the Summer of 2011, red fish blue fish collaborated with George Crumb, Dawn Upshaw, and Peter Sellars to premiere the staged version of The Winds of Destiny. Eighth Blackbird invited red fish blue fish to join them in performances of works by American icons such as John Cage and Steve Reich at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. The New York Times called their “riveting” performance of John Cage the “highlight” of the program. Recordings of the percussion chamber music of Iannis Xenakis and Roger Reynolds on Mode Records have been praised by critics around the world. Recordings released in the 2012-13 season included the works of Karlheinz Stockhausen, Giacinto Scelsi, and rare works of Iannis Xenakis.

Founder Steve Schick was inducted into the Percussive Arts Society’s Hall of Fame in November 2014, and most recently served as Music Director of the 2015 Ojai Music Festival in June.

 Percussionists of Red Fish Blue Fish

 Professor Steven Schick

The Sunday afternoon concert on Feb 28, 2016 will feature composers and performers from our call-for-proposals. We are also exploring the possibility of a Friday night concert – we’ll keep you posted!

Both concerts will be held in the Conrad Prebys Concert Hall of the Conrad Prebys Music Center.

Put the dates down in your calendar!