Great Performances Season 49 Episode 25 Now Hear This "New American Voices"

Now Hear This "New American Voices" is an episode of Great Performances season 49 that showcases remarkable contemporary musical talents from across the United States. Hosted by Scott Yoo, the episode takes viewers on a captivating musical journey that features some of the country's brightest composers, instrumentalists, and singers. This exciting exploration of contemporary American music features four outstanding composers - Caroline Shaw, Carlos Simon, Russell Platt, and James Lee III.

Caroline Shaw, the youngest composer to win the Pulitzer Prize for music, is among the gifted composers showcased in "New American Voices." Born in 1982, she grew up in Greenville, North Carolina, and initially trained as a violinist before exploring composition. She has released several albums of her work and is a member of the vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth. Her works have been performed by numerous orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

Another accomplished composer featured in the episode is Carlos Simon, a composer, performer, and educator whose works are known for their blend of classical and contemporary styles. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he has won several prestigious awards, including the Marvin Hamlisch Film Scoring Award and the Charles Ives Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He is currently the Reva and David Logan Composer-in-Residence at the University of Notre Dame.

Russell Platt is an American composer and writer who is known for his works for chamber ensemble and opera. He has won grants and commissions from several organizations, including the Guggenheim Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts. He also served as a music critic for several publications, including The New Yorker and The New York Times.

James Lee III is a composer and conductor who has won acclaim for his works for orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles. His works have been performed by several leading orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic. He is also an accomplished pianist and has performed extensively as both a soloist and chamber musician.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning performances of some of the composers' most celebrated works. The performances are accompanied by insightful commentary from the composers themselves, as well as from Scott Yoo and other experts in contemporary classical music. In addition to featuring these composers, the episode explores the rich diversity of American music and the ways in which contemporary composers are pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Overall, "New American Voices" is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the state of contemporary classical music in America. It offers a glimpse into the lives and works of some of the country's most talented composers and performers and highlights the exciting possibilities of the genre in the 21st century. Whether you're a seasoned classical music aficionado or simply looking for something new and exciting to explore, this episode of Great Performances is sure to captivate and inspire.