An evening of live music + dance
featuring Backhausdance + Block x Block

MUCKENTHALER CULTURAL CENTER
FULLERTON, CA

Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 8PM

For a printable, PDF version of these program notes, click here.

Choreography by Jennifer Backhaus and Amanda Kay White, in collaboration with the dancers
Musical Direction by Benjamin Smolen
Rehearsal Assistant, Chihiro Sano

Backhausdance and Block x Block gratefully acknowledge tonight’s Spring Forward Sponsors:

Josie Badeaux
Christopher Blank
Michael Kerr
Dave Lewis
Martha Ryan

With special thanks to:

Lawrence & Sarma Lapenieks Rosenberg
Ashely Duree
Anahiem Ballet

ACT I

For a printable, PDF version of these program notes, click here.

Shine You No More

by Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen
arr. Benjamin Smolen

Stämlåten

by Väsen
arr. Benjamin Smolen

Meredith Crawford (Viola), Michael Franz (Bass), Benjamin Smolen (Flute)

Trøstesang

by Gjermund Larsen
arr. Benjamin Smolen

To My Friend Michale

by Giora Feidman
arr. Joshua Ranz

Vedrò con mio diletto

by Antonio Vivaldi
arr. Benjamin Smolen

Cello Suite No. 2: II. Allemande

by J.S. Bach
arr. Joshua Ranz

Nina Nanna

by Pink Martini
arr. Joshua Ranz

Finale of Appalachian Spring

by Aaron Copland
arr. Joshua Ranz

INTERMISSION

ACT II

For a printable, PDF version of these program notes, click here.

Grounded

Directed by Jennifer Backhaus

Backhausdance Full Company

Three Pieces for Flute: II. Jade

by Pierre-Octave Ferroud

Ashokan Farewell

by Jay Ungar
arr. Meredith Crawford

El Amor Brujo

by Manuel de Falla

I. Canción del Amor dolido (arr. Benjamin Smolen)

II. Canción del fuego fatuo (arr. Benjamin Smolen)

III. Ritual Fire Dance (arr. Michael Franz)

Oblivion

by Astor Piazzolla
arr. Benjamin Smolen

Meredith Crawford (Viola), Christine Frank (Violin), Michael Franz (Bass), Benjamin Smolen (Flute)

Libertango

by Astor Piazzolla
arr. Christine Frank

THE END

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Block x Block

lbbxb.org

Block x Block is a chamber music ensemble that expands the definition of what classical music can do. We founded Block x Block in May 2020 in the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic as a way to present safe and engaging concerts when all other performing arts organizations had shut down. Our mission is to bring music out of the concert hall and present it in creative ways throughout the community. Everything we perform has been custom arranged by one of our musicians, and our repertoire draws from a wide range of musical styles, encompassing everything from Debussy to klezmer to Appalachian folk music. Our six musicians are members of the Pacific Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and teach on the faculties of UCLA and Chapman University. We have collectively performed around the world and on hundreds of motion picture soundtracks, including Star Wars, Toy Story, Frozen, and many more. Block x Block is comprised of violinist Christine Frank, violist Meredith Crawford, bassist Michael Crawford, flutist Ben Smolen, oboist Lelie Resnick, and clarinetist Josh Ranz.

BLOCK X BLOCK Musicians

Meredith Crawford, Viola
Christine Frank, Violin
Michael Franz, Bass
Joshua Ranz, Clarinet
Leslie Resnick,
Benjamin Smolen, Flute

Backhausdance

backhausdance.org

Backhausdance, formed in 2003 by Jennifer Backhaus, is known for its lush movement vocabulary and ensemble aesthetic. The company recently completed a milestone 15th anniversary season that included its first European tour and an engagement at New York’s internationally renowned Joyce Theater.

Featuring deeply human and emotional creations that are infused with a sense of humor and theatricality, Backhausdance is the recipient of 10 Lester Horton Awards from Dance Resource Center of Los Angeles for achievements in choreography, design and performance, helping propel them to the forefront of Southern California contemporary dance. Grounded in an eclectic and dynamic vocabulary with a wonderful sense of fluidity and strength, the company’s repertory includes powerful, athletic dances; emotionally charged dramatic pieces; and whimsical, humorous glimpses at the human experience. Backhausdance also offers concert pieces with a focus on younger audiences that incorporates a master class workshop component.

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BACKHAUSDANCE DANCERS

Ellen Akashi
Kira Bartoli
Samuel DeAngelo
Amie Lee Kilgore
Katie Natwick
Adrien Padilla
Santiago Villarreal
Samantha Waugh
Amanda Kay White

BACKHAUSDANCE STAFF

Jennifer Backhaus, Artistic Director
Matthew Jackson, Director of Production
Nancy Warzer Brady, Director of Education and Community Engagement
Kimberly Olmos, Company Administrator
Amanda Kay White, Rehearsal Director
Tawny Chapman, Marketing and Social Media Manager