New Music Festival brings world class composers, concerts to Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville School of Music presents the annual New Music Festival Nov. 9-13, with world-renowned composer Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez as the featured guest.

Faculty from the Conservatory of Castilla-La Mancha will also appear and present the premiere of “Sound Spaces for Cervantes,” a cutting-edge performance of lights, sound and space at the Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium. The piece pays tribute to the life and works of Miguel de Cervantes, the pre-eminent Spanish novelist of “Don Quixote” who died 400 years ago this year. Faculty from Castilla-La Mancha include composers Julián Ávila and José Fayos, trumpeters Manuel Blanco and José García, cellist Eduardo González, percussionist Miguel Orero and clarinetist Raúl Traver.

The University Wind Ensemble, directed by Frederick Speck, will perform the world premiere of Sanchez-Gutierrez’s “Ariles.” Other works by Sanchez-Gutierrez, who is professor of composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., will be performed throughout the festival. Sanchez-Gutierrez was born in Mexico City and has studied at the Peabody Conservatory, Yale and Princeton universities and Tanglewood Music Center. He’s highly decorated in his field with numerous awards, fellowships and residencies at international festivals.

In addition to taking part in nightly concerts, festival guests will present master classes and lectures throughout the week. See the detailed event schedule for all events. Admission is free and open to the public.

Wed., Nov. 9, 8 p.m. – Rauch Planetarium Faculty from the Conservatory of Castilla-La Mancha present “Sound Spaces for Cervantes”

Thur., Nov. 10, 8 p.m. – Bird Recital Hall University Percussion Ensemble and Electronic Music

Fri., Nov.11, 8 p.m. – Comstock Concert Hall University Wind Ensemble and New Music Ensemble

Sat., Nov. 12, 3 p.m. – Comstock Concert Hall Faculty Chamber Music

Sat., Nov. 12, 8 p.m. – Comstock Concert Hall Eastman BroadBand Ensemble

Sun., Nov. 13, 3 p.m. – Comstock Concert Hall University Symphony Orchestra

Sun., Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. – Comstock Concert Hall University Collegiate Chorale and Cardinal Singers

For more information, contact John Ritz at 502-852-4137