Neoteric
Neoteric is a unique ensemble of cello, horn, and bassoon. Probably the first ensemble in history with this combination, Neoteric has a diverse and eclectic repertoire that juxtaposes ancient and brand new music. Concerts include 21st century works with a wide variety of influences, and arrangements of Medieval counterpoint, classical Divertimenti, and Gershwin pieces. We are comfortable performing in a variety of venues, and our concerts have a relaxed atmosphere that includes enthusiastic commentary and friendly interaction with audiences.
The group includes:
Melissa Mackey -bassoon
Jennifer Presar -horn
Eric Lenz - cello
As part of SIUC's Outside The Box new music festival, Neoteric has commissioned a new work from Los Angeles composer and bassoonist John Steinmetz. It will include a variety of musical styles, and exhibit the wit and humor that Neoteric and Steinmetz are known for. This exciting new work will be premiered on the opening concert of the Outside the Box festival, on April 4th, 2008 at 7:30 in the Old Baptist Foundation recital hall on the SIUC campus. This concert will also feature the premiere of a new work by Bernard Hoffer and Tom Hamilton for Neoteric and electronics, based on paintings by Pousette-Dart.
Upcoming events:
Neoteric Concert: Friday, April 4th, 7:30. Old Baptist Foundation, SIUC Campus. Tickets $7.50, available at door. Premieres by Steinmetz and Hoffer/Hamilton.
Neoteric and John Steinmetz Reception: Thursday, April 3rd, 7:30. Melange Coffee House, 607 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale. $50 donation. For tickets or other donations, contact Melissa Mackey, 453-5801 or mackey@siu.edu.
Neoteric Concert in Harrisburg: Sunday, April 6th, 3pm. George Dennis Performing Arts Center, Southeastern Illinois College. Works by Gershwin, Steinmetz, and others.
Neoteric is currently accepting donations to help fund this commission. For information on how to contribute, buy a T-shirt (pictured below) or to be added to Neoteric's email list, please contact Melissa Mackey, 453-5801 or mackey@siu.edu.
T-Shirts are on sale at the Music Office!! Your $15 will help support our commission!
Members
Melissa Mackey
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Instrument: Boris, a 1909 Heckel bassoon
Roommates: Luna the dog
Hobbies: going for long walks with Luna, watching 24, Daily Show, and The Simpsons; eating Eric's cooking, grading papers
Little known facts: was Dolly in 8th grade production of Hello Dolly; is a vegetarian who eats fish and pepperoni
What she would be if she couldn't be a musician: Astronaut
Coolest thing she ever did: Slept in a swag in the Australian Outback
Favorite websites: Artsjournal.com, Woot.com, Nytimes.com
Jennifer Presar
Hometown: Buckhannon, WV
Instrument: Holton horn
Roommates: Grayson, the dog
Hobbies: poker, knitting, antiquing, wine, and surfing (the web)
Little known facts: her hair is naturally that curly; her birthfather played NFL football for the Buffalo Bills
What she would be if she couldn't be a musician: Market researcher
Coolest thing she ever did: found her birthmother
Favorite TV Networks: BBC America, Bravo, A&E, Court TV
Eric Lenz
Hometowns: Albuquerque, NM; Landstuhl, Germany; Woodbridge, VA; Omaha, NE
Instrument: Rougebtre, cello
Roommate: Mathilde, cat
Little known facts: Does not own a TV; played Cornelius in his high school production of Hello Dolly; His hair is naturally that short
Coolest thing he ever did: Attended the 1995 grand opening of the Citi de la musique in Paris where he drank champagne with Pierre Boulez
Recommend DVD rentals: Six Feet Under, Lost, Citi des enfants perdus
For additional information, click here.