Wednesday, February 18, 2009
8 p.m.
UMBC Fine Arts Recital Hall

Contact: Thomas Moore
Director of Arts & Culture
410-455-3370
tmoore@umbc.edu

Note: You may view or download this release as a pdf file.

UMBC's Department of Music presents electric 5-string violist/composer Martha Mooke in a plugged in concert of original music and works written for her by leading composers including Tania Leon, Alvin Singleton, Dave Soldier and Fabrizio Festa. Mooke will also preview a new work for multiple electric violas and electronics in a virtual reality context featuring "new electro-acoustic explorations."

Martha Mooke is a pioneer in the field of the electric five string viola/violin. She has developed a unique musical voice by synthesizing her classical music training with extended techniques, digital effects processing and improvisation, while retaining the depth and soul of the instrument. A Yamaha Performing Artist, she is a leading clinician on electric strings and alternative approaches to playing including the use of electronics, extended techniques and improvisation.

She has received awards from ASCAP, Meet the Composer and Arts International among others. Besides her catalog of works for solo and ensemble electric strings, she has composed music for theater and ballet and served as music director for national and international events. Ms. Mooke's diverse schedule includes touring, clinics and lecture demonstrations. She has toured internationally as a member of Barbra Streisand's acclaimed orchestra during the North American 2006 and European 2007 tours. Ms. Mooke's genre-defying recordings, Enharmonic Vision, her solo debut CD, and Cafe Mars with guitarist Randolph Hudson, III, as the duo Bowing, have attracted wide critical acclaim.

Since 2001, Ms. Mooke and her avant-garde string quartet, the Scorchio Quartet have performed at the Tibet House Benefit Concerts at Carnegie Hall with David Bowie, Philip Glass, Patti Smith, Michael Stipe, David Byrne, Moby, Lou Reed, Trey Anastasio, Ziggy Marley, Rufus Wainwright, and the Kronos Quartet. Scorchio appears on David Bowie's 2002 release Heathen. Ms. Mooke played in the U.S. premiere of Paul McCartney's "Standing Stone" at Carnegie Hall and on numerous film scores by Philip Glass. She has also performed with Bon Jovi on MTV Unplugged, Enya, Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Marc Anthony Thompson, Al DiMeola, John Cale, Anthony Braxton, the Orchestra of St. Luke's, and the Soldier String Quartet. She has performed on Regis Live!, on David Letterman, The View, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Rosie O'Donnell shows and currently plays in the Broadway pit orchestras of Wicked and Spamalot.

Ms. Mooke received an ASCAP 2001 Concert Music Award for creating and producing ASCAP's new music showcase THRU THE WALLS featuring composer/performers whose work defies categorization.

Admission
$7 general admission, $3 seniors, free for students, free with a UMBC ID. Ticket are available through MissionTix at www.missiontix.com or 410-752-8950. Tickets will also be available at the door (cash or check only).

General Public Information
UMBC Arts Website: http://www.umbc.edu/arts

Directions
-- From Baltimore and points north, proceed south on I-95 to exit 47B. Take Route 166 toward Catonsville and then follow signs to the Fine Arts Building.
-- From I-695, take Exit 12C (Wilkens Avenue) and continue one-half mile to the entrance of UMBC at the roundabout intersection of Wilkens Avenue and Hilltop Road. Turn left and follow signs to the Fine Arts Building.
-- From Washington and points south, proceed north on I-95 to Exit 47B. Take Route 166 toward Catonsville and then follow signs to the Fine Arts Building.
-- Daytime metered visitor parking is available in Lot 10, near the Administration Building. Visitor parking regulations are enforced on all University calendar days. Hilltop Circle and all campus roadways require a parking permit unless otherwise marked.
-- Online campus map: http://www.umbc.edu/aboutumbc/campusmap/

Images for Media
High resolution images for media are available online:
http://www.umbc.edu/newsevents/arts/hi-res/
or by email or postal mail.