Classical Rock Star Eric Whitacre, a Poet, and a Choir

Evoke Music of Epic Proportions:

Beauty, Imagination, and Optimism Come to

Disney Concert Hall - Friday, August 7, 2009

"Works of unearthly beauty and imagination, (with) electric, chilling harmonies " - The Los Angeles Times

"What hits you straight between the eyes is the honesty, optimism and sheer belief that passes any pretension. This is music that can actually make you smile ." -BBC

Distinguished Concerts International New York is proud to present an epic, two-hour-plus, musical event at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on Friday, August 7, 2009, featuring American choral idol Eric Whitacre, celebrated poet-lyricist Dr. Charles Anthony Silvestri, and the internationally recognized National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

Whitacre, arguably the most performed choral music composer of his generation, together with bard-poet, artist, and teacher, Dr. Silvestri, will open the evening with a deeply insightful preconcert Q&A from 6:30 to 7:30 PM discussing the creative process, and the unique relationship between poetry and music. The open forum will be followed by an electrifying performance by the choir at 8:00 PM, under the baton of Whitacre, in such popular works as his Lux Aurumque, Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine, Five Hebrew Love Songs, Pueblo Sunrise, and Animal Crackers I and II, which was commissioned by DCINY and premiered in New York this past March 2009. Whitacre and Silvestri will likewise appear in the hall's lobby after the performance to meet and greet audience members.

Eric Whitacre is an LA-based composer of choral, wind band, and electronic music whose loyal fans and supporters span the globe. Whitacre's rock star status with young musicians has brought him significant recognition within the contemporary music world, and he maintains a prominent online following. To date, Whitacre's published works have received thousands of performances and have sold well over 750,000 copies worldwide. He has received composition awards from the Barlow International Composition Competition, the American Choral Directors Association, and the American Composers Forum. In 2001, he became the youngest recipient ever awarded the coveted Raymond C. Brock commission by ACDA.

Acclaimed poet Charles Anthony Silvestri has provided lyrics for numerous composers for a variety of prestigious commissions. His collaborations with Whitacre have sold hundreds of thousands of copies of sheet music, been sung by thousands of choirs around the world, and heard on television and radio, as well as in magnificent spaces such as the Sydney Opera House, Disney Hall, the National Cathedral, York Minster, and Westminster Abbey.

The National Youth Choir of Great Britain is recognized as one of the most outstanding choirs of any kind in the world. It is a highly original choir for young people aged 16-22 that perform advanced choral repertoire throughout the UK and internationally. The Choir's Musical Director, Michael C. Brewer, is an adviser on world music to the International Federation of Choral Music, and serves as an adjudicator for the finals of "Choir of the Year," and the National Festival of Music for Youth in the UK.

In just two short years, DCINY has joined the ranks of major classical music production companies in America, nearly doubling its roster of participating ensembles and attracting high quality talent domestically and internationally. In less than two short concert seasons, DCINY has presented 21 concerts ranging from solo and chamber music recitals in Weill Recital Hall and Zankel Hall, at Carnegie Hall, to North American and World Premieres by internationally recognized composers Karl Jenkins and Eric Whitacre in Isaac Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center. DCINY has produced concerts in many of New York's famous venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Town Hall, as well as other NYC concert halls. Please visit www.DCINY.org for details regarding other highlights of DCINY's 2009/2010 Season.

Tickets may be purchased through the DCINY Box Office, 212.707.8566, ext 307 or from Disney Concert Hall Box Office. Interviews and press tickets may be arranged by contacting Julie Kostrey 212.707.8566, ext. 306 or Julie@DCINY.org