About the Show
Experimental folk-pop duo Christy & Emily, a sublime blend of haunting vocal harmonies with electric piano and organ dreaminess, collaborates with the TransAtlantic Ensemble, a clarinet and piano duo “redefining classical music” (Feast of Music) to bring an evening of folk, classical music, and jazz unlike any other.
Christy & Emily play a set with collaborators from the Indie-rock scene, while the TransAtlantic Ensemble will perform selections from their latest album “Havana Moon” (Best of Sirius XM Symphony Hall 2016) including Paquito D’Rivera, Roberto Sierra, and Miguel del Aguila.
Pianist Emily Manzo, as one half of Christy & Emily, will open with a set of solo piano works written by fellow composer/performers.
Visuals for the evening will be contributed by Brock Monroe of the Joshua Lightshow.
About the Artists
Christy & Emily
Experimental folk-pop duo Christy & Emily is comprised of Christy Edwards, a self- taught indie-rocker and Emily Manzo, a classically trained pianist. Formed in Brooklyn in the mid 2000’s their first album, Gueen’s Head was released on the The Social Registry in 2007, displaying all the core elements of the C&E sound – raw emotional songwriting coupled with sonic experimentation. Since that time they have toured extensively in Europe and recorded several albums produced by Faust keyboardist Joachim Irmler.
Christy & Emily have forged a songwriting style that melds haunting vocal harmonies with jagged guitar swells and vintage electric piano/organ dreaminess. A piece such as Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie does not feel out of place during a live rendition of their tune “Lover’s Talk.” Conversely, the crowd favorite, “Thunder & Lightning” evokes the reckless rock of the Velvet Underground. Unusual songs such as “Tidal Wave” are a nod to punk band, the Electric Eels, while also displaying their fearless approach to structure and humor. Country and folk stylings are at home as well, reflected in the John Fahey like fingerstyle of “Railroad” or the Crazy Horse looseness of “Something Easy.”
TransAtlantic Ensemble
The TransAtlantic Ensemble’s innovative repertoire, dynamic sound and engaging stage presence attracts and inspires audiences from the contemporary, crossover, classical, and jazz worlds.
Celebrated music website Feast of Music declares, “TransAtlantic Ensemble is redefining classical music, making it accessible and relevant to our times. By adding elements of jazz and Latin music, they create a global sound that everyone can relate to.”
Hailing from Berlin and New York with “talent that can only be described as transformative,” the TransAltantic Ensemble has been making music on both sides of the Atlantic since 2005. As a forum for two dynamic leaders in today’s generation of chamber musicians, this ensemble of clarinet and piano is dedicated to directing the course of classical music’s evolution.
Central to the TransAtlantic Ensemble’s mission is collaborating with living composers. Their ongoing relationships with Paquito D’Rivera, Miguel del Aguila, Valerie Coleman, Jeff Scott, Mohammed Fairouz, J.P. Jofre and Richard Padron have resulted in significant contributions to the clarinet and piano repertoire. Interaction with audiences is a hallmark of TransAtlantic performances. The multilingual ensemble enthusiastically communicates their love of live chamber music to music lovers of all ages and from diverse backgrounds.
In addition to their strong presence in Europe, this duo has toured extensively throughout the continental US performing at such distinguished halls as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Symphony Space and Le Poisson Rouge. TransAtlantic Ensemble also remains dedicated to their music community as demonstrated through extensive Master Class offerings held at Universities and Festivals across the country including Juilliard, New School and the Imani Winds Festival.
TransAtlantic Ensemble can be heard on E1 Entertainment (Koch classics) and Eroica. The highly anticipated release of their new CD for the Steinway label will be arriving summer of 2016. Their collaborations with the phenomenal Argentine Bandoneon player JP Jofre and renowned violinists Liana Gourdjia is expected to be their finest work to date.
“Transatlantic Ensemble’s superb musicianship combined with their comfortable and cool stage presence makes them a joy to behold.”
