eighth blackbird premiere piece named finalist for Pulitzer Prize for Music

A piece of music by Stephen Hartke, which was commissioned by University of Richmond ensemble-in-residence eighth blackbird and premiered at the Modlin Center for the Arts this fall, was recently named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Music.

The Pulitzer Prize for Music honors an American for distinguished musical composition first performed or recorded in the United States. This year, the prize was awarded to “The Little Match Girl Passion” by David Lang, co-commissioned by the Carnegie Hall Corporation and The Perth Theater and Concert Hall and premiered October 25, 2007 in Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Hartke’s piece “Meanwhile” premiered at the University of Richmond in November and was performed again this past February. Roberto Sierra’s “Concerto for Viola,” which premiered at Barnes Hall in Ithaca, N.Y., was also a finalist.

Posted May 12, 2008