World-Renowned Composer in Residence at SAR

Santa Fe, NM - The School for Advanced Research is pleased to welcome Mohican composer Brent Michael Davids as the 2011 Ronald and Susan Dubin Native Artist Fellow at SAR. Davids will be in residence from June 15-August 15, 2011.

With a musical career spanning thirty-five years, Davids's style combines the Western techniques of classical music with Native musical traditions. While at SAR, he will compose a dramatic oratorio inspired by the historical narrative surrounding the purchase of Manhattan. His work will be for voice and chamber ensemble and will combine operatic and American Indian singing styles. The oratorio is scheduled for a November 2011 premiere at the Lenape Center in New York City.

In 1995, Davids composed the familiar theme for the indigenous issues-based radio program, Native America Calling. He is also responsible for the soundtrack to author Sherman Alexi's critically-acclaimed directorial debut, The Business of Fancydancing (2002). Other commissions include those from the Kronos Quartet; New Mexico Symphony Orchestra; American Indian Dance Theater; Joffrey Ballet; and Garrison Keillor, for the nationally syndicated radio show, A Prairie Home Companion.

Davids has received numerous awards including being named one of the preeminent American Choral composers by the National Endowment for the Arts for its 2006 national celebration, American Masterpiece, and receiving a Grammy nomination in the category of Classical Crossover in 2004.

Please join us for an public presentation and reception for Brent Michael Davids

Date and Time: Wednesday, August 11 at 5:30pm

Place: SAR Board Room (660 Garcia Street, Santa Fe)

Admission free and open to the public

RSVP to (505) 954-7205 or iarc[at]sarsf.org by Monday, August 8, 2011.

Visit http://davids.sarweb.org for additional information.

About the School for Advanced Research (SAR): The School for Advanced Research provides a dynamic environment for the advanced study and communication of knowledge about human culture, evolution, history, and creative expression. SAR draws upon its century-deep roots in the American Southwest, anthropology, and indigenous arts to present programs, publications and initiatives that impart the learning of social scientists, humanists, and artists to inform the thoughts and actions of scholars, artists, educators, and the interested public. SAR is located at 660 Garcia Stree, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505.