Invisible Anatomy
Chamber-rock ensemble INVISIBLE ANATOMY (IA) is an “avant-rock ensemble [that] combines the theatricality of performance art with the drama of jazz and classical music, creating haunting songs of danger [and] intimacy” (Second Inversion). IA’s five members co-compose and perform evening-length, conceptually unified multimedia pieces, which have been called “sometimes haunting sometimes hilarious and consistently mesmerizing” (I Care If You Listen).
Formed in 2014 by graduates of the Yale School of Music, IA was awarded first runner-up in the ‘16 SAVVY Chamber Competition at the University of South Carolina School of Music; a ‘17 Foundation for Contemporary Arts Grant; a 2017 Avaloch Farms Music Institute residency; a ‘17 National Sawdust Summer Labs residency; and a ‘18 New York State Council for the Arts Grant.
The group’s debut album, Dissections, was released by New Amsterdam Records in March 2018, and was named to Second Inversion’s top ten records of 2018. Most recently, IA created Illumination, a new show integrating music, light, and video, which they developed in collaboration with theater artist Michael McQuilken and premiered at The Cell Theater in February 2019, presented by Tribeca New Music.
The group has made several appearances in China, performing on the Beijing Modern Music Festival and at legendary Beijing jazz venue DDC in 2015, returning in 2017 for shows at Xinghai Conservatory in Guangzhou, Xixi Arts Center in Hangzhou, and the Beijing Chamber Music Festival at the Central Conservatory of Music, and again in 2018, performing Fay Wang’s immersive opera Orfeo on the Beijing International Music Festival followed by additional appearances in Beijing and Tianjin.
IA’s members (cellist Ian Gottlieb, guitarist Brendon Randall-Myers, percussionist Ben Wallace, pianist Paul Kerekes, and vocalist Fay Wang) have been awarded honors from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, ASCAP, American Composers’ Forum, and the China National Arts Fund. IA is fiscally sponsored by Bang on a Can.
Splntrd Wood
Splntrd Wood creates fresh and invigorating live music experiences that cross divides between musical genres. Formed in 2013 by cellists Pierre Derycz, Ian Gottlieb and Matthew Park, the ensemble crafts its own audacious arrangements, deconstructing any type of music—from Brazilian folk to the symphonic orchestral canon—and presenting it anew through the inimitable and versatile sound of the cello. Forgoing expectations, Splntrd Wood concerts are exciting, memorable and relatable experiences for all listeners, regardless of musical background.
Since its founding, Splntrd Wood has presented yearly project-focused programs. In 2020, the ensemble released its first album: De Lá Pra Cá, celebrating the music of Latin America. Inspired by member Ian Gottlieb’s Fulbright fellowship to São Paulo, Brazil, the program features samba, bossa, forró, choro, tango and music from across the American continent. Currently, the ensemble is curating a new program exploring music from the medieval and renaissance periods.
Building on the sounds of the cello as its foundation, Splntrd Wood often collaborates with guest artists, including cellist Daniel Lim—who joined the group as a core member in 2020—as well as singers Maria de Barros and Lea Madda. The ensemble has also premiered original works by composers Reena Esmail and Mark Carlson.
Most recently, Splntrd Wood was featured at Medieval Music in the Dales’ 2021 online festival. Past engagements include a performance on Sundays Live at LACMA’s Bing Theater, hosted by Young Musicians Foundation (YMF). The ensemble has also performed at a Massivemuse in Venice, CA, produced by Groupmuse and hosted by Short Story Collective / redCola Music.