Roulette Hosts Bunita Marcus' 60th Birthday Celebration and DVD Release Today, 10/28

Roulette is set to host a 60th birthday celebration for highly acclaimed composer and musician Bunita Marcus. This event will also be the US premiere release of the recording cooperative Testklang's debut CD/DVD/Art object, all based on the music of Bunita Marcus.

On this program, Testklang's pianist Marc Tritschler will perform works from the CD/DVD as well as the ever-popular "Julia," based on John Lennon's song of the same name. The film-noir: "Sleeping Women" by filmmaker Aron Kitzig will also be presented. Bunita Marcus herself will perform her composition "Untrammeled Thought" with cellist Christina Stripling. The concert will end with the unforgettable "...But to Fashion a Lullaby for You" a 24-minute work for piano, written by Bunita Marcus in memory of Morton Feldman and at his request. This work represents a totally new form of communication between the composer and the audience, where the deep feelings of the piece come through the music as a mysterious subtext, rather than represented in the music itself.

Roulette is located at 509 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn (2/3/4/5/A/C/G/D/M/N/R/B/Q trains & the LIRR). The celebration will take place today, October 28, 3pm. Cost is $15/10 members/students/seniors. Call 917.267.0363 for more information.

Full Program:

Introductory Discussion with Bunita Marcus and pianist Marc Tritschler

"Sugar Cubes"
In memory of John Cage
Marc Tritschler, piano
(1996) 3+ minutes

"Merry Christmas Mrs. Whiting"
Marc Tritschler, piano
(1981) 3 minutes

"Sleeping Women" the film
Film by Aron Kitzig, music by Bunita Marcus, recorded by Ensemble Adapter
(1984) 10 minutes

"Julia"
An original piano composition based on the John Lennon work of the same name
Marc Tritschler, piano
(1989) 8 minutes

Intermission

"Untrammeled Thought"
Bunita Marcus, piano and Christina Stripling, cello
(1980) 8 minutes
"...But to Fashion a Lullaby for You"
In memory of Morton Feldman
Marc Tritschler, piano
(1988) 24 minutes

Following the concert will be a reception with birthday cake and refreshments.

Roulette – one of New York City’s premiere venues for experimental music for over 33 years - has reopened bigger and better than ever. Located in a newly renovated 1920s Art Deco concert hall in Downtown Brooklyn, the new Roulette features two levels of seating for up to 400 people (600 standing), an expanded multi-channel sound system, projection screen for film and multi-media events, state-of-the-art lighting system, modular stage, and a specially designed floor to accommodate dance. Teamed with bold new programming, the new Roulette promises to be one of the most exciting places in New York City - if not the country - to experience adventurous music and art.