Philadelphia 01/07/2013 — Firmly rooted in classical music but exploring diverse elements including Scandinavian art songs and original pop compositions, IVA and Tripod Trio perform a program of contrasts on January 25. Iconic works by Bartók and Currier rub shoulders with catchy pop tunes from opera-trained pop songstress IVA in a program presented by music nonprofit LiveConnections.

Since 2008, LiveConnections has served as a creator and curator of innovative, cross-genre music experiences. Their 2012-2013 ClassicAlive concert series expands how classical music is experienced by bringing together top-notch artists from across the musical spectrum in innovative combinations, sparking new opportunities for creative music-making and breaking repertoire boundaries. Concerts take place at venue World Cafe Live in a unique partnership that capitalizes on the acoustics, intimacy and artist-centered design of the space. Audiences can grab a cocktail or order dinner at the laid-back Upstairs Live, which provides a contemporary—and unconventional—setting to enjoy classical music.

ClassicAlive curator Mary Javian says, “In our January concert, we’re exploring the ways classical traditions intersect with contemporary music. IVA and Tripod Trio are the perfect artists for blending their classical training with familiar modern styles such as pop, folk and jazz.”

Described as “Madonna meets Enya, with an operatic twist,” IVA’s versatile voice has garnered rave reviews for her unique sound and style. She studied at Julliard and debuted at the Royal Opera in Stockholm, but shifted from opera to pop following an appearance on NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Born Emily Samson Tepe in Wilmington, Del., the singer crafted the stage persona IVA while studying Scandinavian classical music on a Fullbright Scholarship in Sweden. As a pop singer, IVA has received critical acclaim from Billboard magazine and is currently working on her third album. She will perform several songs from the yet-untitled album, which features a singer-songwriter approach in the manner of Peter Gabriel or Rufus Wainwright.

Co-collaborator Tripod Trio (with Rie Suzuki, clarinet; Timothy Schwarz, violin; and David Pasbrig, piano), from Philadelphia, draws from a repertoire of classical standards and 20th century compositions. The trio will collaborate with IVA on several pieces, including rarely heard Scandinavian art songs, and perform Bartók’s iconic “Contrasts for clarinet, violin and piano,” commissioned in 1938 by famous jazz clarinetist Benny Goodman.

As Pasbrig describes it, “Bartók’s ‘Contrasts’ is the defining work of its genre, one that combines classical composition with simple Hungarian folk songs. Carefully constructed, yet loved by all audiences, ‘Contrasts’ highlights elements that connect and contrast classical, folk, and pop music.”

Javian adds, “By bringing together these outstanding artists from different genres and showcasing a range of music at a thoroughly non-classical venue, we hope to attract a new kind of audience for classical music – satisfying long-time fans as well as anyone in search of innovative music experiences. We hope to help build a sustainable model for music-making in the face of the many challenges facing the classical music industry today.”

CONCERT:
LiveConnections presents IVA + Tripod Trio
Friday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

TICKETS:
$15 general admission / $10 students with ID
(plus venue processing fees)

MORE INFO:
http://liveconnections.org/iva-tripod

ABOUT LIVECONNECTIONS:
Since 2008, LiveConnections has served as a creator and curator of innovative, cross-genre music experiences. Through live performance and interactive education, LiveConnections’ three program areas connect diverse audiences with top-notch artists from across the musical spectrum. Programs take place at World Cafe Live venues in Philadelphia and Wilmington in a unique partnership that capitalizes on the venues’ acoustics, intimacy and artist-centered design.

• Bridge Sessions engage urban youth and special needs populations in interactive performances that explore diverse musical styles and cultures and spark learning that’s hands-on and alive.
• ClassicAlive expands how classical music is experienced by breaking boundaries of repertoire, collaboration and atmosphere in innovative concerts designed to attract both new audiences and long-time classical fans.
• LiveStudio uses state-of-the-art video technology to connect underserved populations to exceptional music programming.

For more information, visit http://liveconnections.org

PRESS CONTACT:
Lindsay Westley, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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