Douglas R. Ewart:

The International Contemporary Ensemble at Chelsea Factory

Douglas R. Ewart: Songs and Stories of Hopes, Dreams and Visions

Friday, Mar. 17, 2023 at 7:30PM
Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023 at 7:30PM

90 minutes, with an intermission

In the first concert curated by Artistic Director George Lewis as part of his visionary polyaspora theme, the International Contemporary Ensemble presents Songs and Stories of Hopes, Dreams and Visions—a concert of the music of composer and interdisciplinary artist Douglas R. Ewart.

The program will feature two world premiere performances from Ewart, commissioned by the Ensemble. During the concert, Ewart will join the Ensemble to play an instrument he made in honor of George Floyd’s legacy, called “The George Floyd Bundt Staff.”

The program will be the same for both evenings.


Production Credits:

Composer | Douglas R. Ewart

Performers |

Rebekah Heller, bassoon

Nathan Davis, percussion

Clara Warnaar, percussion

Wendy Richman, viola

Aliya Ultan, cello

Douglas R. Ewart, sopranino saxophone; and Ewart-designed and constructed instruments: George Floyd Bunt Staff, Didjeridu, Ewartophone and Bone Flute

Program Note:

“It is a delight to be collaborating with the International Contemporary Ensemble in rendering a number of my old and new compositions. The works include music, prose and poetry, visual works and improvisations.

Among the works are ‘Truth is Power,’ dedicated to Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells and Dolores Huerta and others.

‘Marcus Mosiah Garvey’ is dedicated to the political visionary, entrepreneur, journalist, orator, publisher, philosopher and international Black human rights activist and leader.

‘Homage to George Floyd,’ to the others that have experienced a similar fate.

‘Ascending Auditory Communications Migrating,’ is dedicated to the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), a work in progress and more.”

—Douglas R. Ewart

About Douglas R. Ewart:

The polymath Douglas R. Ewart has been honored for his work as a composer, musician, improvising multi-instrumentalist, conceptual artist, sculptor, mask and instrument designer, builder, philosopher and more. As an educator, Ewart bridges his kaleidoscopic activities with a vision that opposes today’s divided world by culture-fusing works that aim to restore the wholeness of communities and their members, and to emphasize the reality of the world’s interdependence. From Kingston Jamaica, Ewart immigrated to Chicago and connected with Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians—he later served as chairman from 1979-1987 and into the millennium.


About the International Contemporary Ensemble:

With a commitment to cultivating a more curious and engaged society through music, the International Contemporary Ensemble – as a commissioner and performer at the highest level – amplifies creators whose work propels and challenges how music is made and experienced. The Ensemble’s 35 members are featured as soloists, chamber musicians, commissioners, and collaborators with the foremost musical artists of our time. Now in its third decade, the Ensemble continues to build new digital and live collaborative environments that strengthen artist agency and musical connections around the world. Learn more at www.iceorg.org.

Health and Safety Protocols:

• Masks are optional for this event.

• While Chelsea Factory strongly recommends vaccination against COVID-19, proof of vaccination is not currently required for audience entrance to performances and public programs.

Click here for our full Health and Safety Protocols.