by Mike Telin
After an extraordinary debut concert season, Fresh Perspectives founder Devin Hinzo and program manager Justin Gunter spent the past summer thinking about how to bring to fruition the organization’s goal of creating an incubator for area musicians to develop projects. That thinking was turned into action, and this week audiences can experience what the organization now known as fp Creative is all about.
On Thursday, November 14 beginning at 7:00 pm at Snap House Studios in Cleveland, fp Creative will present “Pretty in Green #galaforthepeople.” Audiences are invited to wear their best green-hued or nature-inspired fashion, with prizes for those “with the freshest cuts.” Enjoy earthly delights, take pictures with interactive installations, and hear fp Creative’s inaugural emerging artists-in-residence, Catharsis Winds, in concert.
The program includes Piazzolla’s Libertango (arr. Jeff Scott), Gabriela Ortiz’ Puzzle-tocas, and David Maslanka’s Quintet No. 1. Installation and performance artist Susie Underwood will be on hand creating something special for the event. General Admission costs zero to fifteen dollars at the door. RSVP here.
“Many times galas are expensive and exclusive,” Hinzo said during a conference call with Gunter. “We wanted to maintain the essence of a gala by promoting fashion, music, and food but allowing everyone to get in on the fun regardless of their ability to pay.”
In addition to the new name and new home at Snap House Studios, Hinzo, an oboist, and Gunter, a percussionist, have added new members to their team — vocalist Naomi Columna is working in development, and harpist Stephan Haluska is content creator for social media.
Hinzo said that the new name represents everything the organization does. “fp is an abbreviation for fortepiano which instructs the performer to play loudly and then immediately softly. It adds excitement and builds tension in music, and that reflects what we do — curate exciting concert experiences.”
Thursday’s concert will feature the Catharsis Winds (Jessica Chancey, flute, Hugh Shihao Zhu, clarinet, M. Isaac Ripple, oboe, Willem Crone, horn, and Corbin Krebs, bassoon), fp’s first emerging artists-in-residence. The year-long program is tailored to suit the needs of the artist. “They wanted access to professional development and performance opportunities,” Hinzo said.
Fp’s season will also include concerts developed through the guest curator and producer program. “We approached musicians that we thought were doing great things and asked if they would be interested in developing a concept for a performance,” Gunter said. “Each of the artists submitted proposals telling us about their project. Devin worked with them to fine-tune the concept, and our job is to put it all together so that when they show up, they can just focus on the music. So we’re not just booking an ensemble to come and give a performance. We’re curating an evening-length experience which involves lighting and seating decisions, as well as food and drinks.”
Hinzo and Gunter agreed that figuring out the future has been a lot of work. “It is evolving — our first conversations were very different from the ones we are having now, but the same spirit is there,” Gunter said. Hinzo added, “We are an organization for local musicians who have new ideas and are open to experimentation.”
Guest producers and curators include the following:
Saxophonist, educator, and presenter Noa Even (Thursday, December 12) — Even will present her collaborative commissioning project, atomic, which explores human connection through multimedia solo works for saxophone, electronics, and video.
Performer and educator Melanie Emig (Thursday, February 20) — Emig will present Samples, a multi-genre gallery of music set in surround sound.
Musician Theresa J. May (Thursday, January 23) — Two things May identifies with are Black and Woman, both lacking representation in many facets of the classical music world. Her program will include music by Regina Harris Baiocchi, Ahmed Al Abaca, and Rachmaninoff.
Musician Van Parker (March 2020, date TBA) — Parker is a champion of new music and a frequent performer on historical instruments. His concert will feature music written and performed by black composers and musicians.
Exceptet (Thursday, April 23) — The New York-based ensemble is dedicated to commissioning today’s most compelling emerging composers.
In May, fp’s composer-in-residence Brian Morales will create a chamber ballet for Catharsis Winds and dancers.
Published on ClevelandClassical.com November 12, 2019.
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