Relevant Tones

The voice is our oldest and most familiar instrument, yet composers continue to discover astonishing new possibilities within it. Music for the voice alone invites us to listen differently. Without harmony or accompaniment to guide our ears, every contour, breath, and vocal gesture takes on its own significance. 
On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson explores music for the unaccompanied voice, featuring works by Morton Feldman, John Cage, Gráinne Mulvey, Enno Poppe, Erin Gee, Giacinto Scelsi, Jean-Christophe Rosaz, Luciano Berio, and Meredith Monk.
Through these extraordinary works, we’re invited to hear not only the limitless expressive potential of a single voice, but perhaps even the unexpected musicality of the many voices we encounter every day.
Featured Music
- Only, Morton Feldman
- Eight Whiskus, John Cage
- Eternity is Now, Gráinne Mulvey
- Wespe, Enno Poppe
- Mouthpiece I, Erin Gee
- Hô, Giacinto Scelsi
- Alphabet, Jean-Christophe Rosaz
- Sequenza III, Luciano Berio
- Lullaby, Meredith Monk

The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival is an ambitious summer program that brings together young string players to work intensively with leading professionals while performing throughout Colchester and the surrounding communities.
For the past four years, the festival has also championed new music through its annual Call for Scores.
On this episode of Relevant Tones, Seth Boustead talks with Artistic Director Elizabeth Chang about the festival's unique approach to chamber music education and features works by recent Call for Scores winners Paul Novak, Jorge Amado, Ethan Jankowski, and Mary Brook Hartmann.

Best known for her acclaimed work with ballet companies across the country, Cristina Spinei has developed a distinctive musical language built on melodic cells, propulsive rhythms and subtle repetition which she affectionately describes as "minimalish."
Host Seth Boustead talks with Spinei about her new album, Moved by an Interior Impulse, her long collaboration with choreographers, and how writing for dance has shaped her voice as a composer.

On this episode of Relevant Tones we highlight Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Third Place [MusicFest] as they celebrate their 7th year. Third Place curates an annual, four day performing arts festival comprised of multiple concerts in local spaces. They are founded on principles both simple and often overlooked: that concerts should be radically welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.
Host Stephen Anthony Rawson talks with co-director Wesley Hornpetrie about the history of the festival, its efforts to create spectacular concerts around diverse and complementary programming, its deep roots in the local business community of Ann Arbor, and more.

MUSIC
C by Han Lash, performed by Woven Duo
Tale of Fourth by Leith
and through the pines, I hear the singing by Jacob Nance, performed by FLYDLPHN
Armenian Dance Medley by Ara Topouzian Trio
Baad Illi Kan by Taqsim

In the second half of our conversation with conductor, composer and producer Peter Askim, we take a deeper look at his efforts to champion living composers through initiatives like the NC State 10-Year Premiere Project.
Askim discusses the importance of creating opportunities for emerging voices, building lasting relationships between composers and performers, and finding new ways to connect audiences with contemporary music. He also reflects on the evolving role of orchestras in the 21st century and the future of new music.
MUSIC
Echoes From Our Digital World by Trevor New
Tiled Fields by James Budinich
Beacons for Chamber Orchestra by Ahmed Al Abaca
Episodes by Chris Boardman