Join PEM for a special performance of a musical work in development ahead of its world premiere. Conceived by performer, composer and American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) member Keir GoGwilt, Zarabanda Variations brings together a group of visionary composers, improvisers and performers, inspired by musical histories of 16th- and 17th-century New Spain, or present-day Mexico and the United States. Over the course of the performance, the tonalities and harmonies of early Baroque music are warped into contemporary and futuristic soundscapes.

Zarabanda Variations was supported by a previous residency at the Clark Institute in spring of 2024 and will have its world premiere at Lincoln Center in the summer of 2025.

Composers and performers:

Natalia Arroyo (composition)
Vicente Atria (composition)
Jonny Allen (percussion)
Mariana Flores Bucio (voice)
Miranda Cuckson (violin)
Carrie Frey (viola)
Edgar Garcia (poetry)
Keir GoGwilt (violin, composition)
Alec Goldfarb (guitars)
Kyle Motl (contrabass, composition)
John Popham (cello)
Wilfrido Terrazas (flutes, composition)

PEM Presents seeks to surprise and delight audiences with world-class artistry in music, theater, dance, film and more. This series allows audiences to learn about the artistic process and supports the development of artists with local, regional, national and global perspectives. PEM Presents further activates the museum as a global center for art, culture and creativity with artist residencies, live performances, lecture series, symposia and conferences. PEM Presents is a collaboration between Learning and Community Engagement and the Present Tense initiative.

PEM Presents is made possible by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.