I wrote a children’s book and set it to music. It’s called Space Junk. Above is a teaser video with some art + music. My friend and artist Mike Turzanski is illustrating the book and Lagan Percussion from Baylor University will be premiering the piece during the 2016-2017 season. The piece is scored for narrator + percussion quartet (w synths). I am really excited to see this project come to life; it’s going to be a rad one I think.
-Ivan
Here’s a new video I recorded of my piece Anthem for solo marimba. It was released in conjunction with Brooklyn Classical, a new label bringing classical music to non classical listeners. We experimented with some non traditional recording techniques, and I’m curious what you think! Listen with some headphones / speakers and feel free to leave a comment. Cheers everyone!
-Ivan
Because Radiohead.
I am extremely excited to have joined the artist rosters at both Zildjian Cymbals and Evans Drumheads. These two companies make world class percussion gear and I am completely honored to be associated with them both! Check out the links above if you’re interested in learning about some of the gear I use.
Exciting news! I will be joining the faculty at the Chosen Vale International Percussion Seminar this summer! I will be the composer in residence and will be joining a wonderful roster of faculty members that includes Michael Burritt, Douglas Perkins, Nancy Zeltsman, Amy Garapic, Cynthia Yeh, Tim Feeney, and more.
If you are a percussionist in search of a summer activity, I highly recommend that you apply! Here’s a link with more info: http://www.chosenvale.org/seminars.html
This appointment means so much to me, as past guest composers include Steve Reich, John Luther Adams, and Joseph Schwantner. It’s truly an honor. I’m really looking forward to it and I hope to see you there!
– Ivan
I recently completed a new composition entitled Spur. It is scored for solo snare drum with audio tape accompaniment, and was written with Jacques Delecluse in mind. His snare drum etudes are some of my favorite pieces ever written. They are so thoughtful and nuanced; I wanted to compose a piece through a similar lens while simultaneously blending my own compositional language.
The piece was commissioned by a consortium led by Korry Friend, who recently released a beautiful video performance of the piece (see below). Sheet music for Spur will be available in November, 2016 to correspond with PASIC. A big thank you to Korry and the consortium for bringing this piece to life!
