Coming up in Philly Music: Network for New Music takes 'Extraordinary Measures'

The Network for New Music became one of Philadelphia’s liveliest music organizations during the years it was directed by pianist Linda Reichert. It’s continuing that tradition under her successor, guitarist Thomas Schuttenhelm. The Network’s last livestream of the year is a good example of the variety and novelty it can pack into a short program.

Less is plenty more

The three pieces on the program were written by two veteran composers and one newcomer. The opener will be a repeat performance of Philadelphia composer Roberto Pace's unaccompanied solo for double bass, an instrument that rarely gets to play a solo role. The work—based on the prints of Martin Puryear, the offbeat artist who gave us the Big Bling sculpture that enlivened Kelly Drive three years ago—will be played with slides of the prints by Network bassist Mary Javian, who premiered it in 2017.

That novelty will be followed by Hatchback Tortoise, a duet for cello and guitar with the Network’s cellist Thomas Kraines making his debut as a composer and Schuttenhelm on guitar. The finale will be a marimba solo, Time Well Spent, that requires singing by the marimba player. It was composed by composer-singer-string player Caleb Burhans, whose credits include Saturday Night Live and conducting work with the London Sinfornietta.

What, When, Where, and Accessibility:

The Network for New Music will livestream Extraordinary Measures: Music by Caleb Burhans, Thomas Kraines, and Roberto Pace on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30pm, with a post-concert chat. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish, with a $10 minimum, and they’re available at the Network for New Music online. The show will remain online for one week if you can’t make the livestream.