Fulcrum Point Offers Cheap New Music, Free Food and Drink

By Alexander Hough in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 3, 2009 5:40PM

Now that we're waist-deep in a recession, concerts featuring contemporary classical music might be one of the first items to get slashed from your budget. Perhaps that's what the CSO had in mind last Thursday with their pre-concert reception.

Whatever the reasoning, it's a deliciously economical trend that's continuing tonight as Fulcrum Point offers a concert of local and world premiers, followed by free hors d'oeuvres, wine, and a panel discussion with musicians and composers.

In attendance will be America-obsessed avant pop Dutch composer Jacob TV. Fulcrum Point will begin their concert with one of his boombox pieces, Lipstick, featuring sampled voices and sounds and a live musician, Fulcrum Point flutist Mary Stolper.

Perhaps the biggest draw on the program is the oldest: George Antheil's Ballet mécanique, from 1924. The cacophonous composition - its score includes sirens and airplane propellers - couldn't be performed in its original version until MIDI and computers made it possible to coordinate the 16 player piano parts. Luckily, technology has caught up with Antheil, and now we get to reap the benefits in this Midwest premier.

Arrive early to see the Fluxus Ensemble perform throughout the wonderfully mod Harris Theater. In face, arrive a little bit earlier - between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - to get cash-only $10 tickets.

Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph, tonight at 7:30 p.m., $30, $15 for students and seniors, $10 cash last-minute