Livewire 13: Transformation

Join us for UMBC’s 13th annual Livewire new music festival, an exploration of new sounds presented in six concerts over four days, October 18 to 21.

What is the role of music in our society? What are the inherent powers that lie within music to transform our lives? These are the questions that will be pondered in this year’s Livewire 13: Transformation festival through music, featuring ensembles and works that specifically address music’s role in bringing about transformation on a personal and global level. Meaningful participation in music, whether as a listener, creator or performer requires reflection on the intent behind the music and how best to connect with it on a personal level. Each concert is intended to open up the myriad of ways in which we listen and draw inspiration from music.

The festival opens with pianist Idith Meshulam Korman, who has witnessed firsthand how music directly delivers hope and possibilities to residents in a correctional facility. She will be joined by poet-creator Reese Basile on his original composition, and will perform works that were regarded as some of the most impactful.

Decoda Ensemble, a featured ensemble of the festival, has made a lasting impact on many vulnerable communities in the United States. They will present a wide-ranging program with composers from varied backgrounds and works with poignant themes.

This year’s festival will celebrate five world premieres that were all created from composers’ personal experiences and explore critical social issues in our society.

Livewire’s presentation of Decoda is supported in part by the UMBC’s Center for Innovation, Research and Creativity in the Arts.

Additional co-sponsorship for Livewire has been provided by the Linehan Fund for Excellence in the Arts; the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and the Office of the Provost.