MICHAEL MOSS WITH SORIN LERESCU – BOWS/ENSEMBLE FOR STRINGS AND PIANO

Bows/Ensemble for Strings and Piano: Rosi Hertlein (violin), Sunjay Jayaram (violin), Melanie Dyer (viola), Lenny Mims (cello), Ken Filiano (bass), Anthony Coleman (piano), Michael Moss (clarinet).

The First Fridays Concert on May 5 at Westbeth is a collaborative evening featuring Michael Moss’ new group, Bows/Ensemble for Strings and Piano performing his piece Abyss and the World Premiere of Far Away by acclaimed Romanian composer Sorin Lerescu, written especially for Michael Moss and his ensemble for this occasion.

As part of this cross-cultural evening, Dr. Lerescu will share his unique perspective in a short talk on Romanian contemporary music.

Michael Moss composed Abyss in homage to his late father-in-law and his experiences escaping Germany during the Holocaust – it is infused with his spirit. Based on a sestina by Louisa Bieler and Leviticus/Jeremiah, Abyss expresses the pain and suffering of people. Michael Moss joins his Ensemble on clarinet for this piece. Far Away, Op.89 (2023) (World Premiere) is described by Lerescu “As if somewhere, in the distance (Far Away), a refrain resounds…”New York, New York.” Suggested by the immensity of the ocean, the sonorities of the piano – sometimes close to rhythms and melodic fragments of an almost improvised discourse – are juxtaposed with those of the instrumental ensemble (2 violins, viola, cello, contrabass).”

Westbeth Artists Residents Council sponsors a musical event the First Friday of every month at 7PM in the Westbeth Community Room