AMC Letter of Distinction goes to Joan Tower
On September 6, 2008 at Merkin Concert Hall (NYC), American Music Center Board President Edward Yim presented Joan Tower with AMC’s Letter of Distinction at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. The presentation took place on Ms. Tower's 70th birthday during an all-Tower concert which opened Merkin's 2008-09 concert season. (The concert was subsequently streamed on the American Music Center's internet radio station, CounterstreamRadio.org.)
The first woman to be awarded the Grawemeyer Award for Composition, Joan Tower is a creator energetic music with striking imagery and novel structural forms. Born in New Rochelle, NY and raised in Bolivia, Tower creates intricate works which embrace the strong rhythmic patterns and sounds of her South American childhood. She infuses each piece with an inner strength and earnestness which communicates directly with listeners. Her extensive catalogue includes chamber, orchestral, and band works, and several forays into the dance world. Made in America—the first 50-state orchestra commission spearheaded by the League of American Orchestras and Meet The Composer—received performances in every state during the 2005-2007 seasons and its world premiere CD garnered three 2008 Grammy Awards. Tower's advocacy for contemporary music has also been fostered by the many additional roles she has worn over the years: educator, conductor, and pianist. (A founding member of the Da Capo Chamber Players, Tower was the ensemble's pianist from 1969 to 1984.)
The American Music Center has awarded the Letter of Distinction annually since 1964, to recognize individuals and organizations which have made "a significant contribution to the field of contemporary American music." Previous recipients include George Balanchine, Leonard Bernstein, John Cage, Merce Cunningham, Morton Feldman, Dizzy Gillespie, Steve Reich, Michael Tilson Thomas, Virgil Thomson, Randy Weston, the Kronos Quartet, Bang on a Can, and the American Composers Orchestra. The American Music Center also periodically presents a Founders Award, a Trailblazer Award, and an Educator Award. The Founders Award, established in 1999, celebrates lifetime achievement in the field of new American music and is awarded at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Previous winners have included Elliott Carter, Lou Harrison, and Steve Reich. The Trailblazer Award, inaugurated in 2003, recognizes and celebrates early and mid-career individuals deserving of support and applause for their efforts toward furthering new music. Previous Trailblazer Award recipients include cellist Matt Haimovitz, composer/clarinetist Derek Bermel, and the ensemble eighth blackbird. The AMC's first Educator Award was given to Charles Hamm in 2007. Tower was originally scheduled to receive her LoD in May 2008 at AMC’s Annual Meeting, but was unable to attend due to an accident that made her immobile for a short period. Now back on her feet, Tower continues to forge ahead with numerous 70th birthday activities throughout the coming season.
Photo: Joan Jastrebski
Courtesy: Merkin Concert Hall