A & E

Never expect the same when the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble returns. This season it's added the subtitle "Theatre of Music" to its name to reflect the continuing evolution of its performing style.

Under executive artistic director Kevin Noe, the group has been playing with concert formats, adding segue music between the main pieces and exploring the theatrical potential of the music being performed.

"We've reached a crossroads. At a certain point, it's no longer a concert at all. We've definitely been flirting with that line. A lot of people have said the name of the organization is strange, which is why we're adding 'Theater of Music' as a subtitle," Noe explains.

The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble -- Theatre of Music starts its 31st season with concerts featuring six composers on Friday and Saturday nights at City Theatre, South Side.

Five weekends of performances will culminate in the world premiere of "Just Out of Reach" by Noe and composer Kieren MacMillan on July 25 and 26. "Just Out of Reach" will then be the vehicle in early August for the group's European debut at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The shaping force of the new music ensemble's voyage into theatricality is Noe's personal perspective.

"For the last two or three years I've been simultaneously losing my way and finding my way," Noe says. "I've gotten to the stage where the traditional concert with one piece followed by the next -- I'm no longer sure what that's supposed to be. I don't get it sometimes when I go as an audience member. In my mind, for the time being, we can think of concerts in two ways -- either a traditional PNME concert, or something we would call even more 'theater of music.' Our big touring production 'Just Out of Reach' falls into this category."

He says the ensemble is in the best financial shape it's ever been. "The question always with a small arts organization is: How do you sustain that? On the one hand, I should be thrilled that our attendance has gone crazy and the budget (is up) to $310,000 this year. But year to year, I wonder if we're going to come back. I long so for the luxury of a larger organization, where they can count on what they have for at least a few years."

Three new musicians will join the ensemble regulars this summer. Victoria Lindsay and Natalie Shaw will split the season as the group's violinist. The new cellist is Norbert Lewandowski, assistant principal of the Charleston Symphony in South Carolina.

Earlier this season, the group hired Christopher McGlumphy from the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society, where he was executive director, to become development director. It's some help for Noe in handling both administrative and artistic responsibilities, but perhaps not enough.

"I'm wicked busy and won't pretend that I'm not tired," Noe says. "Assuming both roles (executive and artistic) is weighing heavy on my wee shoulders. (Running) PNME has definitely taken a toll on me. Maybe that's the nature of the work or good art."

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News