Events
March 11, 2011
Robert Spano to explore the sounds and silence of composer John Cage
Robert Spano is Emory's Distinguished Artist in Residence.
Emory's Distinguished Artist in Residence Robert Spano will perform John Cage's "Lecture on Nothing" on Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. in the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts.
Cage, a famous avant-garde composer of the 20th century, explored a wide variety of sound worlds. His compositions feature unconventional uses of instruments, electronic resources, and — in his 1952 composition, "4'33" — silence.
"Lecture on Nothing," a reading that's composed in rhythmic structures, explores repetition and the concepts of sounds and silence.
"This lecture challenges how we define music, and invites us to hear the musicality of speech," says Spano. "It questions our notions of form and content. Each time I've delivered this, I've found it to be a very beautiful experience."
Spano is the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's music director.
"Lecture on Nothing" is free and open to the public. For details about the concert as well as other activities during Spano's residency at Emory, visit creativity.emory.edu.
