current projects
CD RELEASE
Polka the Elk contains five world premiere recordings of new bassoon music by Australian Padma Newsome, Canadian Tawnie Olson, and American David Lang.
Released on 9/15/2011 by Music Starts From Silence.
"weird and wild tunes" —Time Out New York
"one of the sharpest executors of new-music currently on the scene" —WQXR/Q2 Music
TRACKLISTING:
1. À mon seul désir (2005) by Tawnie Olson
Rachael Elliott, bassoon; Adrienne Kim, piano
2. Polka the Elk (2001) by Padma Newsome
Rachael Elliott and Janet Polk, bassoons; Bill Solomon, vibraphone/percussion
3-9. With Eyes Cast Down (2004) by Padma Newsome
Rachael Elliott, bassoon; John Orfe, piano, harpsichord;
Padma Newsome, viola, voice, piano, harpsichord
10. Press Release (1992) by David A. Lang
Rachael Elliott, bassoon
11. Bed and Rest (2006) by Padma Newsome and Clogs
Bryce Dessner, guitar; Rachael Elliott, bassoon;
Thomas Kozumplik, marimba, percussion; Padma Newsome, piano
> Download "Polka the Elk" CD liner notes [89 KB pdf]
> Download "Polka the Elk" concert program [180 KB pdf]
> Listen to "Polka the Elk" audio on Soundcloud
SHADY GULLY
In February and March 2012, I spent three weeks in Australia with my dear friend and musical colleague, Padma Newsome, developing new music in his Shady Gully collection and performing shows in Mallacoota, Maleny and Brisbane.
Padma performed beautifully on piano, harmonium, viola, tenor ukulele, electric guitar, and vocals, while I wrangled the bassoon.
'Shady Gully' is named after the forest preserve in Padma's hometown and the music is inspired by the stunning coastal environment and people of Mallacoota. Our Shady Gully concert includes songs and instrumental tunes, selections from Padma's new opera, 2 Moon Smile, Clogs' tunes, and music from Polka the Elk. Thanks to our wonderful hosts, presenters and audience members in Australia!
We're excited to bring Shady Gully to the USA and Canada this summer during our June/July 2012 performances.
> Download the Shady Gully program from our Brisbane concert at St Mary's Kangaroo Point [400 KB pdf]
SOLO BASSOON TOUR DE FORCE
My set of solo bassoon music includes David Lang's Press Release, Alex Kotch's Techno Music for Bassoon & Electronica and more. Repertoire
BASSOON BAND AT DUKE
A community-building effort in Durham, North Carolina open to bassoonists of all ages and experience levels. The monthly gatherings are a friendly and informal setting in which to play a variety of chamber music written and arranged for bassoon ensemble. Contact
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for further info.
2011-2012 ACTIVITY:
November 5, 2011
December 10, 2011
January 28, 2012
BASSOON DAY AT VYOA
November 15, 2011: Bassoonist Dana Jessen is the guest artist for this year's Bassoon Day at the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. Workshops and master class are free to attend! Details