Support From the Philadelphia Music Project Brings 118 Events to the Philadelphia Region

PHILADELPHIA, April 21, 2009 — The Philadelphia Music Project (PMP), a program of The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, has awarded $1,179,675 to 19 local music organizations in support of 118 concerts and residency programs spanning traditional and contemporary forms of classical, jazz, and world music. This year's grants will make possible world premiere performances of 15 new compositions and Philadelphia premieres of 61 additional works. In all, nearly 1,000 instrumentalists, conductors, vocalists, and composers will participate in these funded projects; 12 ensembles and soloists will make their Philadelphia debuts.

"This year's PMP awards support a diverse range of programs, from modern opera to early choral music, Indian classical music to Afro-Cuban jazz," said Matthew Levy, director of the Philadelphia Music Project. "Several projects celebrate the work of past master composers, including Philadelphia's own Samuel Barber, whose birthday centennial will be commemorated in 2010. Grantees will also commission work from a number of preeminent contemporary composers, including jazz icon Wayne Shorter and Pulitzer Prize-winners Aaron Jay Kernis, David Lang, Paul Moravec, George Crumb, and Richard Wernick, contributing mightily to both the field and the cultural vitality of our city."

"The range and depth of these programs are evidence that Philadelphia's music scene is thriving," said Gregory T. Rowe, director of Culture Initiatives and deputy director of the Philadelphia Program at The Pew Charitable Trusts. "We are pleased that PMP's grants will make it possible for the public to experience firsthand a wealth of musical traditions and world-class performances."

2009-2010 Grant Recipients:

Unless otherwise noted, grants are for one year.

Ars Nova Workshop - $45,000
To present "Free/Form: Composer Portraits," a six-concert series featuring the music of trumpeter Don Cherry and saxophonist Tim Berne with performances by Karl Berger's "In the Spirit of Don Cherry," Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra, Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy, Collide Quartet, pianist Matt Mitchell, and Mr. Berne's Adobe Probe and Big Satan ensembles.