On April 23, 1998, NewMusicMannes, the Mannes contemporary music ensemble under the direction of Madeleine Shapiro, will welcome internationally renowned composer George Crumb for a day of informal discussions and performances. After participating in morning rehearsals of his works, Mr. Crumb will join students of the composition department for a dinner and conversation on contemporary works. The day will culminate with a performance by NewMusicMannes in the Concert Hall. Celebrating the works of this legendary composer, the concert will feature three works by Mr. Crumb and two works by former students.

The George Crumb evening will be part of the annual spring Contemporary Music Festival which features NewMusicMannes as well as the Mannes Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of James Preiss. Ms. Shapiro along with Howard Van Hyning, former director of the percussion ensemble, started Mannes's annual Contemporary Music Festival nine years ago. Beginning as a Sunday marathon of performances, the festival has grown into a two or even three-day event. Ms. Shapiro emphasizes the importance of a contemporary ensemble and festival in the conservatory setting as "a unique opportunity to work with live composers on new pieces of music. I want the students to be as much involved with the composer as possible and to be exposed to a wide spectrum of 20th century music." Often showcasing several New York and U.S. premieres, the festival has involved such famed composers as John Cage and Lukas Foss in recent years.

At this year's festival, the Mannes Percussion Ensemble and NewMusicMannes will perform in concert on April 20th and April 23rd, respectively. NewMusicMannes's winter concert featured works for acoustic instruments and electronics by Thea Musgrave and Barbara Kolb, and the United States premiere of a work by Australian Carl Vine for trombone, two percussionists, and tape. For full program and concert information on the April 23rd concert and the Mannes Contemporary Festival, please call (212) 580-0210, ext. 261.