Emory's SoundScapes Series at the Schwartz Center offers three chances to experience individual styles and interpretations of the contemporary music this week.

Thamyris New Music Ensemble will be joined by composer Paul Moravec on Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. for the Atlanta premiere of his recent work, "The Time Gallery." On Feb. 19 from 2:30-3:30 p.m., the free demonstration/discussion, "Emory Coca-Cola Artists-in-Residence Performers Up Close: Bang on a Can All-Stars," will feature the All-Stars reading a new composition by Emory junior Paul Livanos. Livanos' work was selected for this special opportunity by music Professor John Lennon.

Concluding an impressive week of cutting-edge music will be a Feb. 21 concert by the All-Stars at 8 p.m. in Emerson Concert Hall. The New York Times describes Bang on a Can as a "fiercely aggressive group, combining the power and punch of a rock band with the precision and clarity of a chamber ensemble."

Comprised primarily of Emory music faculty, Thamyris' members are Laura Gordy, Peggy Benkeser, Ted Gurch, Helen Kim, Steven Everett, Jessica Sherwood and Craig Hultgren. Their concert will feature works related to the theme of time; in addition to Moravec's work, the ensemble will perform Olivier Messiaen's "Quartet for the End of Time."

Moravec has written more than 80 works ranging from orchestral and chamber compositions to film scores and electro-acoustic pieces. Among his awards are the Rome Prize Fellowship from the American Academy in Rome, a Fellowship in Music Composition from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a Rockefeller Found-ation Fellowship.

Moravec's many commissions and premieres at leading arts institutions, festivals and conferences include "Spirit," a cantata commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the flight of the Spirit of St. Louis; and "Chamber Symphony," commissioned by the Bridgehampton Festival for its 20th anniversary season in 2003. His compact discs include Songs of Love and War, Sonata for Violin and Piano, Spiritdance (an orchestral work on the Vienna Modern Masters label) and an album of chamber compositions titled Circular Dreams.

Thamyris tickets are $8; $6 for faculty, staff and alumni; and free for Emory students.

The Bang on a Can All-Stars, Emory's Coca-Cola Artists-in-Residence, offer an exceptionally daring sound that incorporates classical, rock and jazz music. The All-Stars are Robert Black, bass; Lisa Moore, piano; Steven Schick, percussion; Mark Stewart, electric guitar; Wendy Sutter, cello; and Evan Ziporyn, clarinet and saxophone.

The ensemble takes its name from the annual new music festival in New York where the group formed in 1987. Regulars at Brooklyn Academy of Music, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, the All-Stars also are heralded by critics for introducing the best of new music to audiences throughout the world.

All-Stars tickets are $45; $36 faculty, staff and alumni; and $10 for Emory students.                     

After the All-Stars' concert, ticketholders are invited to "Candler Concert Nightcap" in the Emory Conference Center's Club Room for complimentary pastries and coffee.

For tickets or more information about either show, call 404-727-5050 or visit www.emory.edu/ARTS.