Archive for the ‘New Lullaby Project’ Category

Now Musique 5 Concerts – A Reflection

In August of this year, I kicked off a series of five concert for Now Musique: two concerts in August followed by one each month through November. Begun in 2019, Now Musique focuses on programming new and neglected music in settings in and out of the concert hall.

Thanks to a grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture in June 2022, I was able to program these five concerts and multiple children’s events in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester.

Four of the five programs showcased new music from the New Lullaby Project, works for electronics and guitar, solos from Spain, my Bach arrangements, and solos from honey cadence. One concert featured chamber music for harpsichord and guitar with the wonderful Frederick Jodry.

The “formal” concerts were held at 5:30pm on Thursdays at the Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library, were free for the public to attend, and included a Milk & Cookie reception.

I will be posting video and audio in the near future.

Let me know your thoughts and leave a comment below.

Aaron

PHOTO GALLERY:

Composers:
Lynn Job, Stanley Hoffman, John McDonald, Frank Warren, Charles Turner,, Ronald Pearl, Tom Nazziola, John Johnstone, Brian Schober, Scott Wheeler, Dean Rosenthal, Lainie Fefferman, Tom Flaherty, Ian Wiese, Gregory Biss, Stefanie Lubkowski, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, Laurie Spiegel, Anthony R. Green, Jim Dalton, Michael Veloso, Curtis Hughes, Francine Trester, Vineet Shende, Larget-Caplan, J.S. Bach, Luigi Boccherini, Domenico Scarlatti, Esteban Sanlucar, and Pascual Marquina

Positives:

  • Neighborhood Cultural Events – Rare to have classical music events in the neighborhood.
  • 25 living composers featured with many in attendance!
  • Families in attendance – the earlier time and relaxed vibe invited families to attend.
  • Milk & Cookies – quite the success!
  • Press – Feature in the Dorchester Reporter

Become a supporter of Now Musique by giving a tax deductible donation via Fractured Atlas

Responses From Attendees:

What a pleasure it was to attend the “Now Musique” concerts at the Upham’s Corner BPL! Aaron’s varied selection of contemporary guitar pieces is an inspired concept for a library, introducing music that entrances and intrigues, while also respecting the equilibrium of the space. – Doria Hughes

This year, I had enormous pleasure attending 3 sequels of Aaron Larget-Caplan’s “Now Musique” concert series presented in the Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library. I found these short concerts entertaining, full of musical energy, perfectly covering large spectrum of guitar music. Aaron’s introduction to presented pieces included well balanced description of music as well as snippets of music creation stories coming directly from contemporary and frequently local composers.  It was a treasure chest of fun and social interaction.
– Marek Kloczewiak

It was wonderful to have live music in the branch every month from August through November. Aaron was lovely and easy to work with. The music was fresh and interesting and the composer component was something completely unexpected, a real draw for the audience. – Georgia Titonis, Branch Librarian, Uphams Corner Branch library

Going to a concert is a “luxury” that a new (single) mom can hardly afford. And I don’t just mean in the financial sense. It’s a time commitment and it involves lots of planning, including figuring out if your kid is ready to seat through a concert without disturbing the others. Mine still can’t seat still for more than 15 minutes. But… I keep trying to get him acquainted with arts and, in small doses at the time, it’s starting to work.
Thanks to Aaron Larget-Caplan, Dacian and I were able to enjoy a beautiful evening of music, right up the street from home. I lured my little one with the promise to stop at the playground on our way back, if he behaves during the concert. Fortunately, the short program was in a cozy space, with limited audience and Aaron was great at keeping us (even my short attention span 5 year old) entertained alternating sleepy lullabies with lively Spanish flamenco. I loved the innovative concept of actually inviting some of the composers to be in the room and introduce their pieces.
Always going above and beyond, Aaron! Even when offering your talent in a free to the public, library serenade. I’m truly impressed and grateful you choose to remain so involved in our community. – Denisa Dobrin

I had the privilege of attending Aaron’s recent concert at the Uphams Corner Library during which he performed my “Winter Lullaby”. It was a wonderful experience to hear Aaron’s exceptional and sensitive performance of this piece as well as the others on the program, speak with audience members and meet the other composers. The ambiance and reception of those in attendance were memorable.  – Brian Schober, composer

Another wonderful concert by Aaron Larget-Caplan. Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library. He enchanted us with lullabies written by local composers and Bach, including in an Indian version (quite an interesting take on “Ave Maria”). – Denisa Dobrin

Negatives:

  • Traffic – Though aimed for people in the neighborhood, those coming into Boston during rush hour were presented quite the challenge. Greatly appreciated!
  • Public Transportation – close to a commuter rail and ample bus lines, but Boston is not consistent so people were hesitant to depend on it.
  • Publicity – How to reach potential audiences when attention is spread over multiple digital platforms, major newspaper are cutting back, and postering has a limited scope?
  • Concert reviews – none 😢

For Next Time:

  • Spread out the concerts over 8-10 months
  • Include more performers
  • Invite local schools to be involved
  • Bring in local businesses
  • Add venues in various parts of Boston and beyond

Concert Posters:

Become a supporter of Now Musique by giving a tax deductible donation via Fractured Atlas

Now Musique Composers TL: John McDonald, Stanley Hoffman, Charles Turner, Aaron Larget-Caplan TR: Larget-Caplan, Ronald Pearl, Brian Schober, Scott Wheeler BL: Tom Flaherty, Larget-Caplan, Stefanie Lubkowski, Ian Wiese, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz BR: Anthony Green, Francine Trester, Jim Dalton, Michael Veloso, Larget-Caplan, Curtis Hughes

 

Repertoire Fall 2022

After being asked what repertoire I was performing this fall, it became apparent that I needed to make a list. Some of these works are being repeated on multiple concerts, others presented by Now Musique series, many New Lullaby Project solos, and others are part of a tour in Southern California in November. I know there will be more, and I left off few encores and pieces I have’t quite committed to, but I’ll try to update. Many of the pieces are recorded or on youtube.

Did I forget anyone? If there is something you’d like to hear, leave a comment.

Repertoire Fall 2022

Roland Dyens – Tango en Skaï (1992)
Larget-Caplan – moving still (2021)
J.S. Bach – Prelude in C-major, WTC Bk 1 N. 1, BWV 846
Bach – A Small Prelude and Little Fugue BWV 926 & 961
Bach – God’s Time Is The Very Best Time, BWV 106
Tom Nazziola – Lull-a-by-the-sea (2021)
Dean Rosenthal – Sewing Piece (2021)
John Cage ­– In A Landscape* (1948)
Keigo Fujii – Legend of Hagoromo (1992)
John Johnstone – Blue Lullaby (2015)
Bach – Two small Preludes, BWV 924 & 930
Larget-Caplan – minding play (2022)
Ronald Pearl – Berceuse Inquiète (2021)
Brian Schober – Winter Lullaby (2021)
Scott Wheeler – Nachtlied (2009)
Lainie Fefferman – Carousel (2020)
Tom Flaherty – Steps & Leaps (2019)
Ian Wiese – Midnight Train (2021)
Gregory Biss – Lullaby (after Schumann) (2015)
Stefanie Lubkowski – Drifting (2018)
Dennis Bathory-Kitsz – Lullaby For Justin* (2022)
Larget-Caplan – TBA
Laurie Spiegel – Remembering (2020)
Anthony Green – Counting Backwards (2020)
Jim Dalton – World of Your Own (2012)
Michael Veloso – Little Dancer (2010)
Cutis Hughes – Lullibule (2020)
Francine Trester – Assortment!
Gershwin/Takemitsu – Summertime
Arlen/Takemitsu – Over the Rainbow
Larget-Caplan – sweet nuance (2022)
Bach – Chromatic Fantasy, BWV 903
Cage – Bacchanale (prepared guitar duo)
Vineet Shende – Carnatic Preludes, After J.S. Bach (2017, 2019)
Libby Larsen – Cajun Set (Quartet)
Thomas L. Read – Concert Champêtre (cello-guitar) (2013)
Antonio Celso Ribeiro – 3 Vintage Portraits (viola-guitar) (2018)
John Cage – Six Melodies (violin-guitar)
Ian Wiese – Seeketh Not His Own (2017)

*world premiere

Return of Now Music – Pictures!

The return of  Now Musique is official!

The first concert ‘Night Songs & Dances’ featuring New Lullaby Project solos, my own solo from honey cadence, and a couple Spanish dances was enthusiastically received by members of the Dorchester community and composers. The milk & cookies were also a hit!
It was wonderful to be back in the community. The first concert cancellation due to Covid was a concert in March 2020 at the UC Library, so the return was quite special. Thank you to Denisa Dobrin & Catherine Larget-Caplan for the photos.
Next Now Musique Concert 2 is Saturday Aug. 20 at 7pm – Frets & Plectrums – Bach & Beyond – Aaron Larget-Caplan & Frederick Jodry
Future Now Musique Concerts listed at: http://nowmusique.com/

Composers John McDonald, Stanley Hoffman, Charles Turner

Composer Stanley Hoffman with lullaby inspiration Naomi

RELEASE: Now Musique presents 5 Concerts

GUITARIST PRESENTS “NIGHT SONGS AND DANCES,”
THE FIRST OF FIVE FAMILY-FRIENDLY CONCERTS IN DORCHESTER

BOSTON (Dorchester), MA―International guitarist and Dorchester resident Aaron Larget-Caplan is presenting the first of five family-friendly concerts in the Dorchester neighborhood of Upham’s Corner on Thursday, August 11th at 5:30 PM. These free musical events are hosted by Now Musique and take place at the Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library (500 Columbia Rd in Dorchester), with the exception of the second concert. A free 30 minute preview performance will be on Monday, August 8th at 11:15am as part of the Upham’s Corner Library Storytime. Now Musique is a project curated by Larget-Caplan that shares new and unknown music in settings outside of the traditional concert hall with a multitude of communities. This family-friendly series of concerts is funded by a 2022 grant from the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture. Each performance is 50-60 minutes in length and curated so audiences of all ages can enjoy and engage with the performer(s) and a number of  living composers who have written the contemporary pieces on the programs.

Night Songs and Dances” is the first concert of the series and features Spanish dances, six works by Lynn Job, Stanley Hoffman, John McDonald, Frank Warren, Charles Turner―all written for Larget-Caplan’s critically acclaimed New Lullaby Project, and a few pieces written by Larget-Caplan for his latest album honey cadence.

The New Lullaby Project began in 2007 in an effort by Aaron Larget-Caplan to bridge the chasm between audiences and new music, and started with him asking “Who’s afraid of a lullaby?!” These solo guitar works explore the genre of the lullaby. They tell stories of hope, fear, peace, rebirth, and even Adam & Eve’s first lullaby. They are composed using a variety of musical languages including tonal, minimalist, 12-tone, and microtones. Many incorporate a number of extended techniques. As the New Lullaby Project has grown, Larget-Caplan has found that the 65+ participating composers have succeeded in creating intimate miniatures that are not only challenging and beautiful, but fascinate and truly engage audiences by what they hear and experience.

honey cadence is Aaron Larget-Caplan’s most recent recording project with  six new pieces by the guitarist and represents his first true foray into the world of composition beyond his work as a noted arranger. The EP was released by Tiger Turn in April 2022 and has since garnered over 400K streams worldwide over all the major platforms.

Audiences of all ages are encouraged to attend any or all of the five concerts. It should be noted that those who come to the “Night Songs and Dances” performance wearing their pajamas (PG rated) will receive a New Lullaby Project sticker. And yes, teddy bears are welcome.

The second of the Now Musique series is titled “Frets & Plectrums – Music of Bach and Beyond” and takes place on Saturday, August 20th at 7:00 PM. The notable Frederick Jodry will join Aaron Larget-Caplan to perform solos and duos for harpsichord and guitar by J.S. Bach, Luigi Boccherini, Domenico Scarlatti, and Larget-Caplan. It is important to note this concert will be presented at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (14 Cushing Ave) and is the only concert of the series not held at the Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library.

Questions on attending the concerts?

Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library, Georgia Titonis, Librarian:  (617) 265-0139

More Information on the concert series and Aaron Larget-Caplan can be found at:

Now Musique:                       NowMusique.com
Aaron Larget-Caplan:      ALCGuitar.com
New Lullaby Project:        NewLullabyProject.com

ALL FIVE NOW MUSIQUE CONCERTS:

CONCERT 1: “Night Songs and Dances
Thursday, August 11 • 5:30pm • Concert • Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Lynn Job, Stanley Hoffman, John McDonald, Frank Warren, Charles Turner, Larget-Caplan and Spanish Composers.

CONCERT 2: “Frets & Plectrums” with Frederick Jodry, harpsichord
Saturday, August 20 • 7:00 PM • Concert • St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (14 Cushing Ave)
Music by Bach, Boccherini, Scarlatti, and Larget-Caplan
Repeated 8/21 in Newport, RI & 8/28 in Provincetown, MA w/slight variation

CONCERT 3: “Lullings
Thursday, September 15 • 5:30 PM • Concert • Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Ronald Pearl, Tom Nazziola, Curtis Hughes, Brian Schober, Scott Wheeler, Dean Rosenthal, Larget-Caplan, and Bach.

CONCERT 4: “Electric Hush
Thursday, October 13 • 5:30 PM • Concert • Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Lainie Fefferman, Tom Flaherty, Ian Wiese, Gregory Biss, Stefanie Lubkowski, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, Larget-Caplan.
* Includes two works for electronics and guitar!

CONCERT 5: “Catching Dreams
Thursday, November 17 • 5:30pm • Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Laurie Spiegel, Anthony Green, Jim Dalton, Michael Veloso, John Johnstone, Francine Trester, Larget-Caplan.

 # # #

 

Grant Award – Concerts in Dorchester

I’m very excited to announce that I was awarded an Opportunity Fund Grant from the Mayor’s of Office of Arts & Culture to produce a series of 5 concerts in my Dorchester neighborhood of Upham’s Corner through my series Now Musique.

Read about the awards from the City of Boston HERE.

These Now Musique concerts are free to the public, the concerts will take place at the Upham’s Corner Library with one at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. I will also introduce contemporary music from the New Lullaby Project in a couple of young person community events at the UC Library.

Each concert will feature lullabies written for the New Lullaby Project, a solo by Larget-Caplan, a couple of standards, and other works. The exact program will be announced prior via this website and on social media.
Composers are encouraged to attend.

These are the first concerts of Now Musique since Covid-19, so we hope you will come and celebrate life through music!

CONCERT SCHEDULE 

CONCERT 1: Nights Songs & Dances
Thursday August 11 • 5:30pm • Concert • Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Lynn Job, Stanley Hoffman, John McDonald, Frank Warren, Charles Turner, Larget-Caplan and Spanish Composers.

CONCERT 2: Frets & Hammers w/ guest harpsichordist Frederick Jodry
Saturday August 20
• 7pm • Concert • St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Music by Bach, Boccherini and Larget-Caplan
Repeated 8/21 in Newport, RI & 8/28 in Provincetown, MA w/slight variation

CONCERT 3: Lullings
Thursday September 15
• 5:30pm • Concert • Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Ronald Pearl, Tom Nazziola, Curtis Hughes, Brian Schober, Scott Wheeler, Dean Rosenthal, Larget-Caplan.

CONCERT 4: Electric Hush 
Thursday October 13
• 5:30pm • Concert • Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Lainie Fefferman, Tom Flaherty, Ian Wiese, Gregory Biss, Stefanie Lubkowski, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, and Larget-Caplan. Includes two works for electronics and guitar!

CONCERT 5: Catching Dreams
Thursday November 17
• 5:30pm • Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library
Music by Laurie Spiegel, Anthony Green, Jim Dalton, Michael Veloso, John Johnstone, and Francine Trester.

*Please visit Aaron’s Calendar and FB page for program announcements 

Now Musique is a 501c3 under Fractured Atlas. Learn about you can support Now Musique HERE

Music Residency in New York

From May 25-31, I was the first Community Music Artist in Residence at the Kirkland Art Center in Clinton, New York.

Part of my proposal included an early evening family concert featuring solos from the New Lullaby Project, pajamas optional.

It was a blast!

Kids danced, adults relaxed, composers enjoyed themselves, and people listened to the music of now, though a couple pieces dated back to 2008 and 2009. Program below!

I don’t get to these type of performances often, but they are always amazing.

37″ Video introducing the space: https://www.facebook.com/747045689/videos/375263664621671/

A series of New Lullaby Project concerts will take place this summer in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester. Stay tuned!

The residency also include an evening formal concert, which took place after the day concert. The concert featured multiple premieres including two by yours truly.

After the concerts and a a day of rest and walking in the Glenn at Hamilton College, I returned to my work space  to continue my arrangements of John Cage for guitar.

In the span of two days I arranged nine short works and one by Erik Satie. I listened to loads of music and practiced a bit each day.

Huge thank you to my host Nora and Mike Revenaugh who run Garret on the Green. The space I stayed in was lovely and super clean. They also hosted me for two dinners, one of which was homemade pasta and locally made chorizo, so needless to say, I was very happy! (Picture below)

A tour of Garret on the Green: https://www.facebook.com/747045689/videos/1733677133636475/

The Kirkland Art Center created a safe and beautiful space for me to work. This being their first music residency we had lots of discussions and came away with many ideas. I am grateful to director David Fitzgerald and Jessica Locke, the KAC board, Nora and Mike, Scott Wheeler for encouraging me to apply, and the many composers who have written for me or the New Lullaby Project.

This was a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to return!

Audience members during the family program

Day Program of music from the New Lullaby Project

Evening Program

Kirkland Art Center, Clinton, NY

Concert space

Family Program of New Lullabies

Inspiration

Composer Thomas L. Read and violinist Evelyn Read

Formal Concert

Homemade Pasta and locally made Chorizo

KAC director David Fitzgerald

My work space for 1 week

California Tour Pictures

My March 30-April 11 Tour in California came to 25 musical events in 13 days and 1200+ miles traveled!

This included:

  • 9 Lectures & Masterclass at 3 Universities
  • 7 Public Performances in 6 cites
  • 3 In-person private lessons
  • 6 Online lessons

I met amazing musicians, enthusiastic students, kind and curious fans, and ate amazing tacos!

I played and recorded on some beautiful guitars and was able to visit some beautiful parts of the state.

Huge thank you to all of my hosts for either patiently waiting out Covid or bringing me in at the last minute.

To all of the students: your questions inspire me to be better and better!

Thank you,
Aaron

Ps. If you are a FB friend you can see beautiful Encinitas photos by Robert Bender HERE.

San Francisco State University with Larry Ferrara and students

Museum of Northern California Art (MONCA) and Lynn and Warren Haskell

South Bay Guitar Society, Los Altos

South Bay Guitar Society, Los Altos

Center for New Music with Brent Miller

Program – Center For New Music

The train from SF to Bakersfield was particularly awesome and only $50.

Amtrak Train SF->Bakersfield

Mid-day concert of new lullabies & works for electronics at CSU Bakersfield

Coaching Guitar Ensemble CSU Bakersfield

Post-Concert CSU Bakersfield

Jim Scully of CSU Bakersfield

Set up!

Cal Poly Pomona with students of Buzz Gravelle

Bender Family in Encinitas

Karob Studios, Encinitas*

Playing a Pepe Romero Jr. *photo by Robert Bender

In Pepe Romero Jr.’s studio*

Playing for the Encinitas Guitar Orchestra*

With EGO director Peter Pupping*

Warming up in Encinitas!*

Rasgueado Lesson with Kenneth Bender*

Korean Tacos!!

Korean Tacos!!

A mocajete, Bakersfield!

Tacos and tamale

First breakfast in San Francisco

The Route!

*photos by Robert Bender

Anthology Review Soundboard – Nights Transfigured + Hushed

Very excited to see that the New Lullaby Project anthologies ‘Nights Transfigured’ and ‘Hushed’ were reviewed by Peter Yates in the venerable guitar journal Soundboard. I am overjoyed for the attention given to the project, the composers, and the wonderful American Composers Alliance, who I partnered with for the two volumes. More to come!!

The anthologies are available via American Composers Alliance website or my Bandcamp page.

*click on the images below to enlarge and read. 

California Tour April 2022!

I’m super excited to be getting back on the road for the first 2020.

3/30 – Class & Masterclass, SF State University, San Francisco
4/1 – Concert, Museum of Northern California Art, Chico
4/2 – Concert, South Bay Guitar Society, San Jose
4/3 – Masterclass, South Bay Guitar Society, San Jose
4/3 – Concert, Center for New Music, San Francisco
4/5-7 – Artist Residency with two concerts, CSU Bakersfield
4/8 – Classes, Cal Poly Pomona University, Pomona
4/10 – Video Shoot, Guitar Salon International (GSI)
4/11 – Guest Artist Performance for the Encinitas Guitar Orchestra
* individual information can be found at the links above or on my calendar: alcguitar.com/calendar

Programs*:
A mix of new Bach keyboard arrangements, popular songs by Gershwin and Arlen, solos by John Cage and from the New Lullaby Project by Antonio Celso Ribeiro, Laurie Spiegel, Ian Wiese, Brian Schober, Ken Ueno, Antony R. Green, and Stepan Rak, the Legend of Hagoromo by Keigo Fujii, new works for guitar+electronics by Tom Flaherty, Lainie Fefferman, and Lou Bunk, and my own original compositions from ‘honey cadence’. Lots and lots of music!

Concerts are still being announced so check back in for more!

*Concert programs vary by venue.

REVIEW – Drifting in AMR

A nice way to begin the new year with a write up of ‘Drifting, Volume 3 of the New Lullaby Project’ in the American Record Guide January/February 2022 edition.
What do you think? What New Lullabies stand out to you?