Kronos Quartet and Laurie Anderson Presents SCENES FROM MY NEW NOVEL, 2/1 & 2

Kronos Quartet and Laurie Anderson join their distinct personalities and musical styles in Scenes From My New Novel, a new work that combines text and music in a radical way tonight, February 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center's Kay Theatre. The Clarice Smith Center is one of several arts supporting organizations commissioning the work.

The artists will offer a Talk Back following tonight's February 1 performance.

About Scenes from My New Novel

Composed by Laurie Anderson, Scenes From My New Novel offers a riveting interplay between text and music. Through the use of the custom-built software program, Wordjam, instruments are able to initiate language within the piece. Additionally, the conflict between spoken and written text fractures the stories and creates a polyphonic structure. As Anderson articulates, "These are stories with tempos."

She also notes, "Much of the music is generated from software we designed for the viola. It creates harmonies and delays that are then interpreted and expanded by Kronos. Working with them, experiencing their exquisite musicianship, has been a thrill and a privilege.

About Laurie Anderson

Laurie Anderson is one of America's most renowned-and daring- creative pioneers. She is best known for her multimedia presentations and innovative use of technology. As writer, director, visual artist and vocalist, she has created groundbreaking works that span the worlds of art, theater, and experimental music.

Her recording career, launched by "O Superman" in 1981, includes the soundtrack to her feature film "Home of the Brave" and "Life on a String" (2001). Anderson's live shows range from simple spoken word to elaborate multi-media stage performances such as "Songs and Stories for Moby Dick" (1999). Anderson has published seven books and her visual work has been presented in major museums around the world.

She is currently artist in residence at CAP in UCLA in Los Angeles and EMPAC in Troy, New York. Anderson lives in New York City and most recently appeared at the Center in her solo work Delusion during the 2010-2011 season.