Hillary Tann (b. 1947) was born in South Wales.  Much of her music reflects her love of the landscape and natural world of her birthplace. She began composing at age 6 ("she had a waltz-like melody in her head and wanted to remember it"). One of the first women to graduate in field of musical composition in her native country, Ms. Tann has also acquired a deep love for traditional Japanese music.

Robert Macht (b. 1958) studied music at Bennington college. He spent a year in Java, Indonesia, studying the gamelan, an Asian percussion instrument. He is the recippents of an award from the Meet the Composer Foundation. In addition to classical music, Mr. Macht has written music for several dance companies.

Kronos Quartet’s  Floodplains is a recording of middle-Eastern music.  Modern composers included on this CD are Rahman Asadollahi, Iran; Kuat Shildebaev, Kazakhstan; Alemu Aga, Ethiopia; and Aleksandra Vrebalov, Serbia.  This music is exotic, but very listenable, and rewarding to hear.

Russ Salk will bring his collection of recordings by contemporary composers for your listening pleasure. Enjoy musical excerpts and learn a bit about selected contemporary composers. Registration is appreciated.