Over the seven decades of his compositional career, Babbitt wrote both tonal and non-tonal music, and expanded the controversial serialist method (also known as “12-tone music”) by manipulating every musical dimension – such as rhythm, timbre, and dynamics – to create what was known as “integral serialism.” The consummate “maximalist,” Babbitt’s works are highly contextual, always variable and never repetitive, often at the edge of the performers’ ability, abstract yet narrative, polyphonic yet playful. With every composition, Babbitt seemed to invent his own new musical grammar. In this unprecedented concert, The Esoterics will celebrate Babbitt’s centenary by singing his entire catalog of a cappella choruses, several of which have never been performed live in concert. This program will include: An Elizabethan sextette, Four canons, Glosses, Music for the mass, More phonemena, Round, and Three cultivated choruses.

General admission ticket prices are $25 at the door ($22 in advance). Discounted admission ticket prices are $18 at the door ($15 in advance) for students, seniors, the un(der)employed, and the differently-abled. Active singers in other choral groups may also attend for $15.