Death of Classical announces new concert series

Death of Classical has announced its new concert series “The Light After”.

The new collaboration between Death of Classical, St. John the Divine and Trinity Church includes three evenings of music in the crypt beneath the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, featuring chamber groups from Trinity's acclaimed new music ensemble NOVUS.

The first concert will feature a selection of music by living composers, revolving around the themes of light, life, death and darkness. The programme will include works by Caroline Shaw, Juhi Bansal, David Lang, Osvaldo Golijov and Andrew Yee, including a world premiere by Yee.

The next program, “American,” explores the history of our country, past and present, and includes Antonín Dvořák’s String Quartet No. 12 “American,” interspersed with three works by contemporary American composers, Michi Wiancko, Carlos Simon, and Jessie Montgomery.

The final program, “Vis Aeternitatis” (“The Power of Eternity”), presents string quartet, flute, lute and voice in a program of works from the 11th century to the present.

Andrew Ousley, founder and artistic director of Death of Classical, said in a press release, “We are thrilled to continue our underground expansion and collaborate with two of New York's most extraordinary institutions – the magnificent physical and spiritual space of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the transcendent musical presence of Trinity Church and its incredible ensemble NOVUS. Presented in the remarkable, unfinished crypt chapel beneath the cathedral, these three programs offer three different interpretations of the past, present and possible future – one personal, one political and one universal.”

Each performance includes a pre-concert wine and food reception in the main hall of the cathedral, followed by a walk through the quarry before descending into the crypt. The concerts take place on October 11, 12 and 16 respectively.