2008
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16 January 2008 Saxophone Quintet by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (68) is performed for the first time, in Leo Rich Theatre, Tucson, Arizona.
17 January 2008 Silver Halo for flute quartet by Joseph Schwantner (64) is performed for the first time, in Weill Recital Hall, New York.
18 January 2008 Figment III for double bass by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, in Merkin Concert Hall, New York.
21 January 2008 Ballade for piano by William Bolcom (69) is performed for the first time, in Merkin Hall, New York.
22 January 2008 Figment IV for viola by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, in Cité de la Musique, Paris.
25 January 2008 Elliott for string quartet by Roger Reynolds (73) in honor of Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
Christes Crosse (Morley) and Ave Maria (Josquin) by Charles Wuorinen (69), both for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, are performed for the first time, in Portland, Oregon.
26 January 2008 Mariel for cello and orchestra by Osvaldo Golijov (47), to words of Goethe, Rückert, and von Collin, is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
27 January 2008 Madrigal for chorus by John Harbison (69) is performed for the first time, in New York.
31 January 2008 Five Temperaments for wind quintet by Robin Holloway (64) is performed for the first time, at The Venue, Leeds.
7 February 2008 Octet: Double Quartet by William Bolcom (69) is performed for the first time, at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
9 February 2008 Suite no.2 for cello by Richard Wernick (74) is performed for the first time, in Fairfield Chapel, Oberlin College.
12 February 2008 A Gift for flute/piccolo, clarinet, bassoon, horn, and piano by Joan Tower (69) is performed for the first time, in New York.
13 February 2008 Deer’s Cry for chorus by Arvo Pärt (72) to the Lorica of St. Patrick, is performed for the first time, in Dundalk and Drogheda, Ireland.
21 February 2008 Conjurer: Concerto for Percussionist and String Orchestra by John Corigliano (70) is performed for the first time, in Pittsburgh.
23 February 2008 Points of View for chamber orchestra by Thea Musgrave (79) is performed for the first time, at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.
28 February 2008 Symphony no.8 by William Bolcom (69) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Boston.
29 February 2008 What Can It Be? for six voices by Robin Holloway (64) is performed for the first time, in St. Catherine’s College Chapel, Cambridge.
2 March 2008 Evensong: Of Love and Angels for treble voice, soprano, reader, mixed chorus, and orchestra by Dominick Argento (80) to words of the Bible, is performed for the first time, in the National Cathedral, Washington.
6 March 2008 Act I of Quicksand, an opera by Robert Ashley (77), is performed for the first time, in New York.
8 March 2008 A Bridge to Understanding, a suite for orchestra by Samuel Adler (80), is performed for the first time, in Albany, New York.
10 March 2008 Ballad in Lavender for piano by David Del Tredici (70) is performed for the first time, in Weill Recital Hall, New York.
11 March 2008 Lucrezia for five singers and two players by William Bolcom (69) is performed for the first time, in Weill Hall, New York.
12 March 2008 Quintet for clarinet and strings by Alexander Goehr (75) is performed for the first time, in Wigmore Hall, London.
14 March 2008 Tapizdos for piano four hands by Gordon Mumma (72) is performed for the first time, in La Casa Encendida, Madrid.
20 March 2008 Pleins jeux for tape by Pierre Henry (80) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
21 March 2008 Adoremus for solo voices, male chorus, chorus, and organ by John Tavener (64) is performed for the first time, in Winchester Cathedral.
26 March 2008 Double Sextet for twelve players or six players and tape by Steve Reich (71) is performed for the first time, at the University of Richmond, Virginia.
27 March 2008 The Stars Have Not Dealt for voice and piano by Ned Rorem (84) to words of Houseman is performed for the first time, at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
30 March 2008 SolTierraLuna, a triple concerto for two guitars, violin, and chamber orchestra by Terry Riley (72), is performed for the first time, in Philadelphia.
5 April 2008 Scherzo for piano by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in the 92nd Street YMHA, New York.
7 April 2008 Figment III for double bass by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, in Jordan Hall, Boston.
Youth Without Youth, a suite from the film soundtrack by Osvaldo Golijov (47), is performed for the first time, in Chicago.
12 April 2008 Dumbarton Quintet for piano quintet by Joan Tower (69) is performed for the first time, at Dumbarton Oaks, Washington.
13 April 2008 Cortège for six percussionists by John Harbison (69) is performed for the first time, in Boston.
14 April 2008 Heart Shadow for piano by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in Zankel Hall, New York.
15 April 2008 The Minotaur, an opera by Harrison Birtwistle (73) to words of Harsent, is performed for the first time, in the Royal Opera House, London.
17 April 2008 Symphony no.5 by John Harbison (69) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Boston.
20 April 2008 The Partenheimer Project, three pieces for various chamber combinations by Kevin Volans (58), is performed for the first time, in Birmingham.
Aeolian Ballade for harp by David Del Tredici (71) is performed for the first time, in Weill Recital Hall, New York.
24 April 2008 Song and Dance for saxophones and percussion by Shulamit Ran (58) is performed for the first time, in Philadelphia.
She Was Here for voice and orchestra by Osvaldo Golijov (47) is performed for the first time, in Ordway Hall, St. Paul.
26 April 2008 Henry Dreyfus Brant dies at his home in Santa Barbara, California, aged 94 years, seven months, and 13 days.
27 April 2008 String quartet: The Tree of Strings by Harrison Birtwistle (73) is performed for the first time, in Witten.
Two works by Arvo Pärt (72) are performed for the first time, in the Erlöserkirche, Potsdam: Da pacem domine for chorus and orchestra, and De profundis for male voices and chamber orchestra. See 1 July 2008 and 25 April 1981.
God Only Knows for voice and piano by John Harbison (69) is performed for the first time, at the Guggenheim Museum, New York.
Simply Purple for viola by Joan Tower (69) is performed for the first time, in New York.
Can I for treble voices by Joan Tower (69) is performed for the first time, in Miller Theatre, New York.
29 April 2008 Broken Lute for orchestra by Alexander Goehr (75) is performed for the first time, at Birmingham Town Hall.
Clarinet Quintet by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, at the Juilliard School, New York.
3 May 2008 Four Piedmont Choruses for chorus and piano by William Bolcom (69) to words of Byer is performed for the first time, at Salem College, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
5 May 2008 Concerto for horn and orchestra by Krzysztof Penderecki (74) is performed for the first time, in Bremen.
Pueri apud magistros exercentur for two alto saxophones by Betsy Jolas (81) is performed for the first time, in Nancy
7 May 2008 Jagden und Formen for orchestra by Wolfgang Rihm (56) is performed for the first time, in Frankfurt-Main.
8 May 2008 Synaxis, a concerto grosso for four soloists, strings, and timpani by Charles Wuorinen (69), is performed for the first time, in the State Theatre, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
11 May 2008 ZZs Dream for chamber orchestra by Osvaldo Golijov (47) is performed for the first time, in Jordan Hall, Boston.
17 May 2008 Queer Hosannas for male chorus and piano four-hands by David Del Tredici (71), to words of Antler, Rukeyser, and Manrique, is performed for the first time.
18 May 2008 Troyjam for narrator and orchestra by Michael Daugherty (54), to words of Carson, is performed for the first time, in the Kennedy Center, Washington.
20 May 2008 imAge/piano for solo piano by Roger Reynolds (73) is performed for the first time, at the Tenri Cultural Institute, New York.
22 May 2008 “These Words…” for strings and percussion by Arvo Pärt (72) is performed for the first time, in Copenhagen.
25 May 2008 The Universal Bridge for organ by Terry Riley (72) is performed for the first time, in Walt Disney Hall, Los Angeles.
31 May 2008 A Field Manual for two solo voices and eight players by David Del Tredici (71), to words of Field, is performed for the first time, in Symphony Space, New York.
1 June 2008 Fourth Piano Sonata by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
6 June 2008 Piano Quintet no.2 by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in Rockport, Massachusetts.
7 June 2008 Tropic for orchestra by Peter Sculthorpe (79) is performed for the first time, in Brisbane, Queensland.
In Darkness for soprano and computer by John Melby (66) to words of Amy Lowell is performed for the first time, in New York.
A Song for St. Cecelia’s Day for chorus and organ by William Bolcom (70) to words of Dryden is performed for the first time, in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel of the University of Chicago.
9 June 2008 A Little Fantasy for cello and piano by Ned Rorem (84) is performed for the first time, in New York.
11 June 2008 String Quartet no.2 by Robin Holloway (64) is performed for the first time, in Caja Madrid.
12 June 2008 Stabat mater for chorus and strings by Arvo Pärt (72) is performed for the first time, in the Musikvereinsaal, Vienna.
15 June 2008 Verwandlung 3 for orchestra by Wolfgang Rihm (56) is performed for the first time, in Weimar.
Magnificat and Nunc dimittis for chorus and organ by Peter Maxwell Davies (73) is performed for the first time, in Wells Cathedral.
22 June 2008 Sonata for violin and piano by Peter Maxwell Davies (73) is performed for the first time, in Stromness Town Hall, Kirkwall, Orkney.
An orchestral suite from John Harbison’s (69) opera The Great Gatsby is performed for the first time, in Aspen, Colorado.
23 June 2008 String Trio by Peter Maxwell Davies (73) is performed for the first time, in St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall.
A Song for Phil for mezzo-soprano and violin by Richard Wernick (74) is performed for the first time, in Aspen, Colorado.
28 June 2008 Vier späte Gedichte von Friedrich Rückert for voice and piano by Wolfgang Rihm (56) are performed for the first time, in Bad Kissingen.
3 July 2008 The Eternal Sun for chorus by John Tavener (64) to words of Schon is performed for the first time, in Riga.
5 July 2008 Danziger Fanfare for brass and percussion by Krzysztof Penderecki (74) is performed for the first time, at Solidarnosc Museum, Gdansk.
7 July 2008 Four Movements for Two Pianos by Philip Glass (71) is performed for the first time, in Essen.
10 July 2008 Since Brass, nor Stone… for string quartet and percussion by Alexander Goehr (75) is performed for the first time, in St. Andrew, Holborn, London.
Sonata for cello and piano by Peter Maxwell Davies (73) is performed for the first time, in Siena.
11 July 2008 Mary of Egypt for three solo voices, children’s choir, chorus, and orchestra by John Tavener (64) is performed for the first time, in Ossiach, Austria.
13 July 2008 Piano Quartet by Peter Maxwell Davies (73) is performed for the first time, in Pittville Pump Room, Cheltenham.
20 July 2008 Sound Fields for string orchestra by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, at Tanglewood, Lenox, Massachusetts.
22 July 2008 Mad Regales for six solo voices by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, at Tanglewood, Lenox, Massachusetts.
23 July 2008 Last Door of Light for chamber orchestra by Peter Maxwell Davies (73) is performed for the first time, in the Stiftskirche, Ossiach, Austria.
24 July 2008 Norman Dello Joio dies at his home in East Hampton, New York, aged 95 years and six months.
4 August 2008 Miroirs du temps for tape by Pierre Henry (80) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
11 August 2008 Then and Now and Forever by Morton Subotnick (75) is performed for the first time, in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
31 August 2008 Angels (String Quartet no.4) by Joan Tower (69) is performed for the first time, at Angel Fire, New Mexico.
6 September 2008 Virelai for twelve players by Harrison Birtwistle (74) is performed for the first time, in Turin.
9 September 2008 Flute Concerto by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, at the YMCA in Jerusalem.
Battements for tape by Pierre Henry (80) is performed for the first time.
11 September 2008 COLL’ARCO for violin and orchestra by Wolfgang Rihm (56) is performed for the first time, in the Gewandhaus, Leipzig.
14 September 2008 Los Paisajes del Rio by Philip Glass (71) is performed for the first time, in Zaragoza.
Lady Macbeth, a monodrama after Shakespeare for soprano and piano by Thomas Pasatieri (62) is performed for the first time, in Dallas. Also premiered is Pasatieri’s Rhapsody for double bass and piano.
17 September 2008 Concerto “Séraphin” for 16 players by Wolfgang Rihm (56) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
18 September 2008 Glorious Percussion, a concerto for percussion ensemble and orchestra by Sofia Gubaidulina (76), is performed for the first time, in Gothenburg.
Mauricio Kagel dies in Cologne, aged 77 years, eight months, and 25 days.
Parades and Changes by Morton Subotnick (75) is performed for the first time, in the Pompidou Center, Paris.
20 September 2008 Chasing Light… for chamber orchestra by Joseph Schwantner (65) is performed for the first time, in Nightingale Concert Hall, Reno, Nevada.
24 September 2008 Investigations 2 for tape by Pierre Henry (80) is performed for the first time.
28 September 2008 Verwandlung 4 for orchestra by Wolfgang Rihm (56) is performed for the first time, in Bonn.
1 October 2008 Un monde lacéré for tape by Pierre Henry (80) is performed for the first time, in Centre Pompidou, Paris.
2 October 2008 Elogium Musicum for chorus and orchestra by Hans Werner Henze (82) to words of Serpa is performed for the first time, in the Gewandhaus, Leipzig.
Viola Variations by Charles Wuorinen (70) is performed for the first time, in Merkin Concert Hall, New York.
5 October 2008 Cantilena for oboe, violin, viola, and cello by Thea Musgrave (80) is performed for the first time, in King’s Place concert hall, London.
9 October 2008 Rhapsodie for trumpet and orchestra by Mikis Theodorakis (83) is performed for the first time, in Cologne.
15 October 2008 String Quartet no.3 by Hans Abrahamsen (55) is performed for the first time, in Oslo.
manere for clarinet and violin by Alexander Goehr (76) is performed for the first time, in the Hochschule für Musik Saar, Saarbrücken.
16 October 2008 The Forbidden for orchestra by Leon Kirchner (89) is performed for the first time, in Boston.
18 October 2008 Chronos-Aion for instrumental ensemble by Brian Ferneyhough (65) is performed for the first time, in Donaueschingen.
21 October 2008 O-Antiphonen for eight cellos by Arvo Pärt (73) is performed for the first time, in Amsterdam.
23 October 2008 Two Hadiths for chorus and harp by John Tavener (64) from the Orthodox service is performed for the first time, in York Minster.
24 October 2008 Never Far Away for harp and orchestra by Bright Sheng (52) is performed for the first time, in San Diego.
25 October 2008 O My People for chorus by John Tavener (64) is performed for the first time, in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dundalk, Louth, Ireland.
Concerto for violin, piano, and computer by John Melby (67) is performed for the first time, at the Longy School of Music, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
27 October 2008 Symphony no.5 (Concerto for Orchestra) by Ellen Taafe Zwilich (69) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
30 October 2008 Teletalks for two pianos by Betsy Jolas (82) is performed for the first time, at Harvard University.
1 November 2008 Songs Old and New for voice and orchestra by Ned Rorem (85) is performed for the first time, in Germantown, Tennessee.
2 November 2008 Overture by Alexander Goehr (76) is performed for the first time, in Glyndebourne.
6 November 2008 March of the Metro for orchestra by Michael Daugherty (54) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Phoenix.
9 November 2008 The Five Acts of Harry Partch for two vocal soloists and chorus by Peter Maxwell Davies (74) is performed for the first time, in Portsmouth Cathedral.
13 November 2008 Taking Turns for three flutes by Thea Musgrave (80) is performed for the first time, in Duff House, Banff, Aberdeenshire.
Hymn for the Sovereign for chorus, brass, timpani, and organ by John Tavener (64) to words of the Bible is performed for the first time, in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
14 November 2008 Two Shakespeare Poems for chorus by Ned Rorem (85) is performed for the first time, in Woolsey Hall, Yale University.
15 November 2008 Manacus Super “Dona Nobis” for trumpet, timpani, and strings by Peter Maxwell Davies (74) is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Church, Piccadilly, London.
16 November 2008 Leçons du petit jour, Hommage à Messiaen for organ by Betsy Jolas (82) is performed for the first time, in Église St. Agricol, Avignon.
17 November 2008 Arcos Concerto for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and strings by Samuel Adler (80) is performed for the first time, at the Juilliard School, New York.
21 November 2008 String Quartet by Bernd Alois Zimmermann (†38) is performed for the first time, in Cologne.
String Quartet no.3 “Leaves of an unwritten diary” by Krzysztof Penderecki (74) is performed for the first time, in Warsaw.
23 November 2008 A Birthday Card for Prince Charles for orchestra by Peter Maxwell Davies (74), to celebrate the 60th birthday of Prince Charles, is performed for the first time, at Buckingham Palace.
24 November 2008 Skellig, an opera by Tod Machover to words of Almond, is performed for the first time, in Newcastle on the composer’s 55th birthday.
2 December 2008 The Message for E flat clarinet, trumpet in C, and military drum by Harrison Birtwistle (74) is performed for the first time, in Queen Elizabeth Hall, London.
Tintinnabulation for six percussionists by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, in Jordan Hall, Boston.
4 December 2008 Interventions for piano and orchestra by Elliott Carter (99) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Boston.
My Favorite Penis Poems, a cycle for baritone, soprano, and piano by David Del Tredici (71) to words of various authors, is performed for the first time, in Symphony Space, New York.
9 December 2008 Take Two Oboes for (oddly enough) two oboes by Thea Musgrave (80) is performed for the first time.
12 December 2008 Ex Maria Virgine for chorus and organ by John Tavener (64) to various texts is performed for the first time, in St. John’s College, Cambridge.
Duettino for violin and cello by Elliott Carter (100) is performed for the first time, in Zankel Hall, New York.
13 December 2008 Hymn to the Spirit of Fire for chorus and organ by Peter Maxwell Davies (74) to words of Hildegard von Bingen is performed for the first time, in Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.
Poems of Louis Zukofsky for mezzo-soprano and clarinet by Elliott Carter (100) is performed for the first time, in Avery Fisher Hall, New York.
14 December 2008 Carol: Kings and Shepherds for chorus by Peter Maxwell Davies (74) is performed for the first time, in the Chapel Royal, St. James’ Palace, London.
15 December 2008 Green for string orchestra by Thea Musgrave (80) is performed for the first time, at Queen’s Cross Church, Aberdeen.
16 December 2008 Wind Rose for winds by Elliott Carter (100) is performed for the first time, at the Barbican Center in London.
20 December 2008 Alleluia-Tropus for chorus and eight cellos ad lib by Arvo Pärt (73) is performed for the first time, in Bari.
31 December 2008 Drei Chinesische Lieder for baritone and orchestra by Krzysztof Penderecki (75) are performed for the first time, in Ieper, Belgium.
©2004-2012 Paul Scharfenberger
26 July 2012
Last Updated (Thursday, 26 July 2012 05:11)