It’s pretty phenomenal that Austin’s independent public classic radio station KMFA 89.5 has opened its new purpose-built facility amid the pandemic
Beyond a massive upgrade to its primary function as a 21st-century radio station, the new 20,000-square-foot building on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin is on the verge of completion. be the hub of local classical musicians and composers, especially its centerpiece, Draylen Mason Music Studio.
The acoustically perfect 135-seat venue is designed to be used for live performances and for recording. It is named after the 17-year-old musician who was the victim of the Austin bombings in 2018. A talented bassist, Mason has performed with Austin Soundwaves, Austin Youth Orchestra, Austin Chamber Music Center and has been admitted to several universities in foreground. musical programs at the time of his death.
Live concerts have just started with many local ensembles and bands starting to fill the schedule. Health security protocols are in place.
Here are some highlights:
“The pandemic is a portal”, Density512 and less than 10
October 10
A hybrid in-person and virtual event featuring live music and videos created for online streaming, which reflects on the idea that “nothing could be worse than a return to normalcy.” Through works by Austin composers Matthew Lyons, James Tabata and Nicholas Perry Clark; works by acclaimed composers Fanny Hensel and George Lewis; and lyrics by Arundhati Roy, Matthew Lyons and Gwendolyn Brooks, this concert bridges a comeback and comes to terms with the past, present and future of the pandemic.
“Good Country”, a chamber opera
October 17
LOLA (Local Opera Local Artists), in collaboration with composer Keith Allegretti and librettist Celcelia Raker, to offer a studio performance of the new chamber opera “Good Countryâ€. The opera is about Charley Parkhurst, a transgender man who was a stagecoach driver during the California Gold Rush from 1849.
The Sextet Alex Coke and Carl Michel
20 october
“The Emissary†CD release concert. Saxophonist-flautist Coke and guitarist Michel unite a group that includes Austin Symphony solo harpist Elaine Barber, pedal steel player Bob Hoffnar (Liminal Sound Series), double bassist James Suter and percussionist Carolyn Trowbridge on vibes.
Carpe Diem String Quartet: American Favorites
November 12-13, Live and Virtual Tickets Available
American new and classical works Amy Beach, Korine Fujiwara, Jonathan Bingham and AntonÃn Dvorák ‘American’ String Quartet No. 12. Presented by Austin Chamber Music Center.
BATTERY_CRITICAL, Density 512
21 November
Percussionist, sound engineer, collective member and Density512 collective member Jordan Walsh performs the latest iteration of his Electronic Integration Project (EIP), an ongoing effort to expand the reach of electronic music in classical environments. “BATTERY_CRITICAL†will be presented without a sound engineer or lifeline, just an interpreter and his laptop.
