Wayne Horvitz: The Heartsong of Charging Elk

Composer Wayne Horvitz presents a workshop performance of The Heartsong of Charging Elk, a new oratorio for 4 voices and 10 chamber instruments based on the historical novel by James Welch in collaboration with Sherman Alexie, with libretto by Rinde Eckert and additional text by Robin Holcomb.

Seattle Composers' Salon

8:00 PM; $5-$15 suggested donation at the door.

The Seattle Composers' Salon is a bi-monthly, informal presentation of new music by Seattle composers. May Composers: Richard Johnson, Steve Luksan and winners of the Seattle Music Teachers' Simon Fiset Composition Contest: Bryan Zhap, Conner Jensen, Robert Yamann, Benjamin Davis, Kevin Ke, Ernest So.

Quasar Saxophone Quartet

Washington Composers Forum presents Montreal-based Quasar Saxophone Quartet, in Seattle for the first time to present works by Quebecois composers: Procession by Jean-François Laporte, for blown organ pipes; Claude Vivier’s Pulau Dewata, influenced by the composer’s stay in Bali; Miroir des vents by Luc Marcel; and Michel Frigon’s Geyser Ghetto. The concert also features the premiere of EMMAUS by Northwest composer Donald Stewart. The Interval series presents video by filmmaker Lisa Young-Kutsukake accompanying music by composer Robert Fleisher.

Sun Ra Tribute!

Fresh off the road from their brief residency in the thriving metropolis of Twisp, WA, this all-star dectet reunites to pay tribute to the inspirational iconoclast Sun Ra by playing many of his compositions from the late 1950s and early 1960s. Expect sparkly robes, processions, group vocals, and planetary alignment. The cast of characters includes Stuart Dempster: trombone, Bill Smith: clarinet, Tom Baker: guitar, Greg Sinibaldi: saxophone, Michael Monhart: saxophone, Jim Knodle: trumpet, Lynette Westendorf: piano, Greg Campbell: percussion, horn, Dan O'Brien: bass, Bill Moyer: percussion

Garrett Fisher Ensemble: Psyche

Inspired by the Greek myth, Psyche follows the quest of the wrathful Aphrodite to ruin Psyche, a mortal rumored to be more beautiful than the goddess herself. This new chamber opera features music by Garrett Fisher, libretto by Thom Schramm, direction/dramaturgy by Ken Cerniglia, choreography/co-direction by Christy Fisher, and puppets/costumes by Tori Ellison. Like Fisher's other works, Psyche explores the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western traditions by combining such diverse elements as haiku, an eclectic ensemble, melodies and rhythms that incorporate Indian classical traditions, stylized movement, and puppets inspired by various Asian traditions.

Seth Nehil & Matt Marble + Corey Fuller

Nonsequitur presents sound artists Seth Nehil & Matt Marble (Portland), and Corey Fuller (Bellingham). All three explore a wide range of textures and formal strategies with an emphasis on the microscopic details of everyday sounds and objects. Residing somewhere between ambient drone and musique concrete, it's a music of radical subtlety and intimacy. Nehil & Marble will collaborate on a duo set; Fuller plays solo.

Subtext: Bethany Wright & Roberta Olson

Subtext Reading Series: Bethany Wright has authored three chapbooks, including Indeed, Insist (a mystery) (Ugly Duckling). She is a co-founder of FO(A)RM magazine and currently teaches English, art theory, and time-based arts at Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland. Roberta Olson has two published chapbooks, All These Fair and Flagrant Things (etherdome press) and Some Numerous Dwarf Rippings (2007, Flash+Card press).