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Premiering John Luther Adams' "Sila"

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joseph Hansen and Chief Master Sgt. Jenn Pagnard
Washington, D.C. --  Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Luther Adams will have his composition, "Sila," performed in Washington, D.C. by members of the Band on May 13, 15 and 16 at various locations. (See below for further details.)

The performance of "Sila: the Breath of the World" will be the piece's premiere in the national capital region, and an important stepping stone of the Band's continuing partnership with Washington Performing Arts, the event's hosting organization.

Adams is known worldwide for his cutting-edge, nature-inspired compositions. "Sila," inspired by an Inuit concept, translates to "the spirit that animates the world."

"Personally, I have been inspired for years by John Luther Adams' works, his environmental commitment and his ability to seamlessly connect art and place," said Jenny Bilfield, Washington Performing Arts' president and CEO. "'Sila,' which we were proud to co-commission with Lincoln Center, represents the kind of innovative programming we constantly strive to offer D.C. audiences. Coming off its spectacular New York premiere, we cannot wait to see this remarkable piece set against the majesty of the Jefferson Memorial and the beauty of Meridian Hill Park."

Anyone attending these "Sila" performances will enjoy an interactive musical experience. Instead of a traditional piece with melodies and harmony, the composer creates a setting where performers play single notes at a time, mimicking the acoustics of nature and creating a unique sonic experience for audience members.

"John Luther Adams' Sila is highly innovative in its musical concept and the experience it creates for listeners. It relies on audience involvement, asking them to literally walk amongst our Air Force musicians as we create a soundscape that will envelop them. This unique experience allows us to connect with and inspire our audiences in a new and exciting way," said Col. Larry H. Lang, commander and conductor of the Band.

Called "one of the most original musical thinkers of the new century" by The New Yorker, Adams is a composer whose life and work are deeply rooted in the natural world. He composes for orchestra, chamber ensembles, percussion and electronic media.

Adams has recently been named 2015 composer of the year by Musical America magazine. This comes less than six months after being named the recipient of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his work "Become Ocean."

John Luther Adams' music is heard frequently all over the world. The Chicago Symphony, the Radio Netherlands Philharmonic, and the Melbourne Symphony have performed his "Dark Waves" for large orchestra and electronic sounds. "Inuksuit," for up to 99 percussionists, has been performed in New York City's Morningside Park and at the Park Avenue Armory, as well as many other outdoor venues throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia.

"Sila" will be performed by two of the Band's smaller ensembles and, in a culminating event, by a large group on separate days as part of the series. Times and locations of the various performances are:

Wednesday, May 13 at 6 p.m.
Meridian Hill Park
2400 15th Street NW
Washington, D.C.
Brass and Percussion Performers Only
***In case of inclement weather, this performance will be cancelled. Call 202-767-5658 or check the Band's home page, Facebook page or Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute info.

Friday, May 15 at 6 p.m.
Constitution Gardens
Washington, D.C.
Woodwind, String and Vocal Performers Only
***In case of inclement weather, this performance will be cancelled. Call 202-767-5658 or check the Band's home page, Facebook page or Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute info.

Saturday, May 16 at 3 p.m.
Jefferson Memorial
701 East Basin Drive SW
Washington, D.C.
Full Ensemble
*** In case of inclement weather, this performance will occur in the National Museum of American History.

Through this series of unique musical presentations of "Sila," the Band is thrilled to further its budding partnership with Washington Performing Arts, while advancing the Air Force's commitment to innovation throughout all aspects of its mission.