Conor Nelson and Ayano Kataoka Perform at First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn 5/28

Flute/percussionist duo Conor Nelson and Ayano Kataoka will close the inaugural season of Music at First on May 28th, 2010 at 7:30pm. This special concert is held in celebration of the release of the Duo's CD "Breaking Training," (New Focus Recordings). Music at First is a new music series held at First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn through May, 2010. First Presbyterian Church is located in Brooklyn Heights at 124 Henry St. Directions are at www.fpcbrooklyn.org. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door with no advance reservations or ticket sales. Contact musicatfirst@gmail.com for more info.

This series, curated by Wil Smith (composer who also serves as organist at First Presbyterian), occurs monthly, featuring one performer or ensemble per evening. Smith describes Music at First as "a diverse mix of New York City's best new music ensembles and performers, accessible to a wide audience of both community members and seasoned new music listeners." Earlier performers in the series began included Threefifty Duo, a "critic's choice" (Time Out NY) performance by pianist Kathleen Supové, and cellist/vocalist/composer Jody Redhage and her band Fire in July.

Percussionist and marimbist Ayano Kataoka is known for her brilliant and dynamic technique, as well as the unique elegance and artistry she brings to her performances. A versatile performer, she regularly presents music of diverse genres and mediums. Last season, together with cellist Yo-Yo Ma at the American Museum of Natural History, Ms. Kataoka gave a world premiere of Bruce Adolphe's Self Comes to Mind for cello and two percussionists, based on a text by neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, and featuring interactive video images of brain scans triggered by the live music performance. She also performed Leon Kirchner's Flutings for Paula with Paula Robison in honor of Mr. Kirchner's 90th birthday concert at New York's Miller Theater and at the Gardner Museum in Boston. Kataoka was the first percussionist to be chosen for The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society Two, a three-season residency program for emerging artists offering high-profile performance opportunities.