"In C" at Museum of Modern Art Terry Riley’s 1964 composition "In C," a seminal work of musical minimalism, was inspired by the rhythmic patterns, drones, and immersive nature of raga. Under the leadership of the sitarist Neel Murgai, Brooklyn Raga Massive brings the music full circle, as the first ensemble to perform the piece with an orchestra of raga musicians. Riley himself, who has studied and performed in Hindustani vocal traditions for decades, suggested that BRM open the composition to improvisation, and the ensemble’s performances have gained a new spontaneity, beauty, and excitement. No two performances of "In C" are the same; listening to it can be a transcendent and moving experience. A globally recognized collective of forward-thinking musicians, Brooklyn Raga Massive brings together artists and audiences of diverse backgrounds. In four years and more than 200 concerts, the ensemble has been at the forefront of bringing new listeners to the deep tradition of classical raga and the creation of new musical forms. Set begins at 6:30 p.m. Regular Museum admission applies. Performances take place in the Sculpture Garden. In the event of rain, the Garden will close, and music will take place in Theater 1. Please note: Sculpture Garden and indoor seating are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Musical acts for the 2016 series are presented in conjunction with the exhibition "BRUCE CONNER: IT’S ALL TRUE," and organized in collaboration with PopRally. Riley was a longtime Conner collaborator; "In C" was the score to Conner’s final moving-image work, "Easter Morning" (2008). The Garden Bar offers drinks and snacks at the northeast corner of the Sculpture Garden. The menu of homemade snacks includes specialty hot dogs, soft pretzels, and baguette sandwiches, along with a selection of wines, craft-beers, and cocktails. In the event of rain, bar will be closed. Terrace 5 is located on the fifth floor, with views overlooking the Sculpture Garden. Chef Dan Jackson’s menu features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on light, seasonal plates.
Abhik Mukherjee and Neel Murgai, sitar; Camila Celin, sarod; Priya Darshini and Andrew Shantz, voice; Tali Rubinstein, recorder; Eric Fraser, bansuri; Aaron Shragge, trumpet; Sameer Gupta, Ehren Hanson, and Roshni Thompson, tabla; Michael Gam, dilruba; Trina Basu, Arun Ramamurthy, Ken Shoji, and Anjna Swaminathan, violin; Adam Malouf, cello; David Ellenbogen, guitar; Kane Mathis, oud; Vin Scialla, percussion.