PASADENA, CA. (Top40 Charts / MUSE/IQUE) MUSE/IQUE, the innovative counter-conventional, cross-genre orchestral organization led by visionary conductor Rachael Worby, announced a new schedule of events for its signature Uncorked Series.
Uncorked events take place in improvised urban venues and feature a rule-breaking mix of artists, performance disciplines and music genres. Each performance is preceded by wine, mingling and opportunities to explore the iconic locales that serve as the impromptu concert halls for the series.
"The Uncorked Series is a musical tiger by the tail," said Artistic
Director Rachael Worby. "We started with a few friends and folding chairs in a warehouse three years ago, and we discovered an audience that is curious and hungry for new adventures. Through Uncorked events, we built a vibrant member base that packs every event we create. In these latest editions to the series, we are thanking that audience with breathtaking new locations, thrilling new artists and as always a wild mix of the unexpected."
The schedule for this year's Uncorked Series is:
CROSS/WALK @ Rosemont Pavilion, October 13: The iconic
Beatles album, Abbey Road, inspires re-imagination from MUSE/IQUE's creative collective, Colin Hay, Charlie Greene Band, Bryan Pezzone, sitar, cajon, strings and a gospel choir.
CHILDS/PLAY @ Rose Bowl Locker Room. November 10: Jazz and classical crossover genius Billy Childs leads a virtuoso band of players with childlike enthusiasm deep within the granddaddy of American sports stadiums.
LIBERTY/CONCEIVED @ Historic Pasadena Exhibition Hall, February 9: With full orchestra conducted by Rachael Worby and a spirit raising gospel choir, MUSE/IQUE creates a birthday party for Abraham Lincoln that celebrates the best in all of us.
INFINITE/QUATTRO @ Jacob Maarse Florists, April 13: MUSE/IQUE presents L.A.'s freshest band in performance and daring discussion with artistic director Rachael Worby. QUATTRO is the metamorphosis of the quartet and a collective hothouse of innovative music making.
BACHARACH/RIOT @ TBA Location, Monday, May 4: From I Say a
Little Prayer to What the World Needs Now Is Love, Burt Bacharach fills a top 40 list of favorite musical memories all by himself. Rachael Worby and a band of brave and soaring voices take on the song mastery of a transformative artist who hides his genius in plain sight.
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY OF MUSE/IQUE
MUSE/IQUE was founded in March 2011 in order to bring fresh perspective to live music and multidisciplinary arts. The organization is driven by the singular talent and vision of Artistic
Director Rachael Worby, who serves as the key leader of programs, performance designs and conductor of MUSE/IQUE artists. A notable facet of Maestra Worby's conducting style is her direct communication with all audiences through insightful and enlightening remarks which enhance their appreciation and understanding of the eclectic range of artists, genres and performance disciplines.
The entirety of MUSE/IQUE events have featured a total "mash-up" experience with our orchestra and such exuberant artists as Jessye Norman,
Angela Bassett, Rickie Lee Jones, Arturo Sandoval, Flea, Charlie Haden, Steven Page, Patti Austin, Mary Wilson,
Kevin McHale, Matt Haimovitz, The Doric Quartet, Nnenna Freelon, Savion Glover, Colin Hay and several living composers.
MUSE/IQUE brings the orchestra and creative team together in full each year with the vibrant and festive Summer of Sound, presented on Caltech's Beckman Mall Lawn. During the rest of the year, we scatter events in unexpected and surprising places through the Uncorked Series. Past location and program pairings have included Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band at the Rose Palace, TriTone Asylum and Charlie Haden at Castle Press, Matt Haimovitz and Flea at Art Center College of Design, Moonsville
Collective at the Robert R. Blacker House, The Doric Quartet at Jacob Maarse Florists and virtuoso pianists backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. This Uncorked Series is a new conceptualization of the intimate and interactive "salon event" which seeks to surprise participants with unexpected and curatorial approaches to performance.
In addition to event production, our central purpose involves building passionate audiences - sometimes from the most unexpected sources. Our KIDS/IQUE! Musical Immersion Program is one of the important ways of reaching an unexpected audience segment -challenging youth in residential foster care for whom there are fewer options than most. Through partnerships with residential treatment and foster care agencies, KIDS/IQUE! focuses on strengthening self-worth utilizing a series of hands-on learning activities themed around each Uncorked Series. Artists teach classes, build relationships, and awaken a sense of wonder, excitement, and a feeling of entitlement to music that culminates in an invitation and trip to MUSE/IQUE public events - including rare back stage access and tours of our dynamic venues. In 2011 and 2012, MUSE/IQUE had regular, sustained and meaningful interactions with over 500 youth from organizations such as Hillsides, Hathaway-Sycamores, Pasadena Childrens Development Association, Rosemary Children's Services, Alliance for Children's Rights and more.
In addition, MUSE/IQUE community engagement efforts offer extensive free and discounted ticket outreach as the "FREE/FOR ALL," an energized approach to the traditional free concert, which was first held in October 2012 on the steps of our Pasadena Civic Center plaza, featuring a brass band, playing hip hop and swing to a diverse family audience.
Fueled by inspired events and by word of mouth, the audience for MUSE/IQUE has grown dramatically. In October 2011, over 900 people attended the inaugural concert featuring an electrifying performance by Jessye Norman with Maestra Worby conducting the MUSE/IQUE orchestra. To date, more than 17,000 people have attended one or more MUSE/IQUE performance, with a growing number of new as well as repeat attendees and members.
AUDIENCE AND TICKET INFO
Tickets are $50 per person or free with a MUSE/IQUE membership, which ranges from $125 to $1,000. For tickets and additional membership information, please call the Box Office at (626) 539-7085 or visit www.muse-ique.org.
