Pulitzer prize-winning composer will visit Grand Valley

David Lang is one of America’s most performed composers. “There is no name yet for this kind of music,” wrote Los Angeles Times music critic Mark Swed of Lang’s work, but audiences around the globe are hearing more and more of it. Lang is co-founder and co-artistic director of New York’s legendary music collective Bang on a Can. His recent CD “Pierced,” was praised both on the rock music site Pitchfork and in the classical magazine Gramophone, and was called his “most exciting new work in years” by the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Pulitzer prize-winning composer will visit Grand Valley November 12-13 for a variety of activities, from master classes to lectures, a film screening and a New Music Ensemble performance of some of his works. All are free and open to the public.

Monday, November 12, events include a saxophone master class at 3 p.m. in room 1221 Perfroming Arts Center, and a guest lecture for the Music Analysis Class from 4-5:15 p.m. in 1313 PAC.

The inaugural So Very Serious Film Screening, will show the almost-classic movie “Untitled,” from 8-10 p.m. in Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall, PAC. Lang’s music is featured throughout the film, and he will be present to say a few words about it. There will also be special pre-film live music, and a one-of-a kind door prize for an audience member.

On Tuesday, November 13, Lang’s activities will include a percussion master class from 2-3 p.m. in 1501 PAC, a composition master class from 3-4 p.m. in 1313 PAC and a guest lecture on Music, Culture and Aesthetics, from 4-5:15 p.m. in Niemeyer Honors Hall.

In addition, a concert of seven of Lang’s compositions will be performed Tuesday by the GVSU New Music Ensemble from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Dance Studio, 1600 PAC. A post-concert audience discussion with Lang will be moderated by music professor John Schuster-Craig.

Lang’s work has been recorded on several major labels, and he is the recipient of numerous honors, awards and grants. Learn more by visiting his website: http://davidlangmusic.com. For more information about his visit, please call the Department of Music at (616) 331-3484 or visit www.gvsu.edu/music.