Album Notes

STARRY NIGHT Project features music of living American composers written exclusively about works of visual art. The works of art can be viewed while listening at www.montagemusicsociety.org/starrynight

The Project’s goal is to broaden the contemporary music audience to involve the public that frequents galleries and museums, but perhaps seldom attends concerts. A direct association between the visual and musical is rarely attempted by composers. Making connections between art forms, projecting the artwork during the programs, and engaging this expanded audience in discussion with the composers about how the art and music relate encourages active listening and helps stimulate fresh, new insights into the musical creative process.

STARRY NIGHT compositions include works by American composers Matthew Harris (Starry Night), Libby Larsen (Black Birds, Red Hills) and Stephen Paulus (Art Suite); with a new work by Andrew List (NOA NOA) based on Gauguin’s masterwork Where Do We Come From, What Are We, Where Are We Going in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts collection. Only Ms. Larsen's work has been previously recorded.

MONTAGE involves museums, visual artists, curators, visual arts faculty and students in concerts, educational and underserved audience outreach programs. Underserved programs are designed for youth, assisted living and community centers. The works of visual art are projected during the performances.

MONTAGE Music Society is dedicated to promoting new works of music within the most nurturing environment possible. Dedicated to reaching a diverse public, MONTAGE is equally committed to performances in homes, concert halls and for underserved audiences.