In anticipation of its world premiere performance of Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio, The Phoenix Symphony is presenting a series of special events devoted to the Navajo culture that inspired Music Alive Composer-in-Residence Mark Grey's new work for chorus and orchestra.
Artists and leading authorities from the Native American community as well as Valley organizations including the Heard Museum and Arizona State University are partnering to present events including concerts, lectures, and film screenings in January and February exploring and discussing the Navajo traditions that influenced Enemy Slayer. Several months of creative exploration will culminate with the world premiere performance of Mark Grey's Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio on February 7 and 9, 2008 at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix.
Residency events across the Valley feature flutist James Pellerite performing on the Native American flute in concert with The Phoenix Symphony, a screening and discussion of Larry Blackhorse Lowe's acclaimed film 5th World and an engaging lecture and choral presentation at Arizona State University regarding the historical narratives in Navajo culture and their depiction in the new musical composition of Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio. Days before the world premiere, high school and college students are also invited to attend an open rehearsal of Enemy Slayer, with a discussion of the composition process led by Mark Grey. A complete description of events is listed below.
Music Alive is a residency program of the League of American Orchestras and Meet the Composer. This national program is designed to provide orchestras with resources and tools to support their presentation of new music to the public and build support for new music within their institutions. Funding for Music Alive is provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and The Aaron Copland Fund for Music. Composer Mark Grey serves as Music Alive Composer-in-Residence during the 2007-2008 season. His new composition Enemy Slayer: A Navajo Oratorio is the culmination of this three-year project. -- www.phoenixsymphony.org
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