ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Under the direction of Dr. Omar Carmenates, the Furman University Percussion Ensemble performs a wide variety of literature while also dedicating itself to the commissioning and performing of new chamber works from both established and up-and-coming composers. As part of a long-standing collaboration with Furman’s David E. Shi Center for Sustainability, the ensemble also has become known for its performances and recordings of ecoacoustic music, helping promote Furman’s standing as one of the nations academic leaders in sustainability. Recent projects in this regard include the co-commissioning and performing of the United States premiere of John Luther Adams’ Inuksuit for 9-99 outdoor percussionists, and an upcoming recording release of the music of Matthew Burtner through PARMA Recordings.
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE PIECE: “Avian Telemetry” by Matthew Burtner
Since 2008, the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability has served as the focal point for all of Furman University’s sustainability efforts. Through the Shi Center, the Furman Percussion Ensemble has spent over ten years exploring new avenues for sustainability-minded collaborations. Most recently, this has resulted in a collaborative project with ecoacoustic composer Matthew Burtner with Furman’s English and Biology departments.
In the spirit of sharing work where artists are directly responsible for its creation and work in close relationship with composers, the Furman Percussion Ensemble will perform Burtner’s Avian Telemetry. Premiered in 2018, Avian Telemetry brings together faculty and student research on avian biology, soundscape ecology, and romantic-era British poetry to explore human-nature interaction through birdsong.