The Prism Chamber Orchestra , a non-profit corporation long associated with new American music, premiered, recorded and featured dozens of new pieces since its foundation in 1983 by Robert Black, the pianist, composer and conductor. After Mr. Black's untimely death, Prism's Board of Directors moved to broaden its activities to include the production of concerts and recordings (Prism Projects), and to re-activate its performing ensemble, under the name of Prism Players.

The current Board of Directors:

Roger Zahab, President
Sandra Elm, Secretary/Treasurer
Georgia C. Black

The PRISM Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1983 by Robert Black, a conductor, composer, pianist and fierce advocate of new music. Chartered to perform, record and foster new music, from the date of its founding until Mr. Black's death, the group performed concerts featuring world premieres alongside established standards from the modern and classical repertoire.The group premiered works of Tod Machover, William Thomas McKinley, Jean Barraque, and Stephen Dembski, released recordings on the Bridge (BCD 9002, BCS 7002) and CRI (CRI SD 527) labels, and sponsored 80th Birthday Tributes to Louise Talma and Miriam Gideon.

Formed in 1995, the PRISM PLAYERS is a flexibly-sized ensemble that carries forward the ideals envisioned by founder Robert Black: programming works of living composers, providing a forum for innovative works and artists, offering professional opportunities for developing young conductors and instrumentalists.

With the creation of PRISM PROJECTS, Prism has expanded its activities beyond performance to include fund-raising, record production, concert presentation, promotion/public relations, marketing, and even to developing a presence on the Internet.

Recent Recordings

• MUSIC OF ELEANOR HOVDA
  

  This recording of Eleanor Hovda's Ariadne Music was conducted by J Jeannine Wagar CD RELEASED oodiscs (00 #46) Partial funding for this recording has been provided by the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust. "I feel that this recording represents a great achievement both from a musical and a sonic perspective." --Adam Abeshouse, Producer/Engineer

• 17 Lyrics of Li Po, by Harry Partch (Tzadik Records, TZ7012) PRISM raised funds and coordinated promotional efforts for this extremely important release of previously unrecorded material by an American pioneer composer.
  
• The Art of Robert Black, (Bridge Records, BCD 9061) PRISM raised funds (partial funding for this project was provided by the Mary Cary Flagler Charitable Trust), and provided direct production assistance in this recording of three compositions of Robert Black and an archival PRISM performance of Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks.
  
• MUSIC OF MATHEW ROSENBLUM, a project for Mode Records, produced by PRISM President Ted Mook, featuring a large-scale chamber work for mixed ensemble , two voices and electronics, Nu Kuan Tzu , and Ancient Eyes, for mixed ensemble.
  

Newsletters

Prism publishes a newsletter: 95, 96 , 97 & 98 seasons are available for viewing at this website.

Music

• Scores of Robert Black (contact the office for details: (212) 741-0011)
  Foramen Habet! for piano
  Three Pieces for Violin and Piano
  Capriccio (Blown Apart) for orchestra:3222-4231-pno/cel-3 perc-strings
  Underground Judges for orchestra 3342-4331-timp+4-strings
  
• The Art of Robert Black, (Bridge Records, BCD 9061) $14 plus $2 for shipping and handling, checks/money order only.
  
• The 17 Lyrics of Li Po (Tzadik) $14 plus $2 for shipping and handling, checks/money order only.

Upcoming Concerts & Projects

Friday, February 28, 2003 8 PM
St. Peter's Church in Chelsea,
346 W. 20 St. (8-9 Aves) NYC
PRISM PLAYERS: NEW MUSIC CONCERT
A special concert of new works by two of New York City's most talented young composers, EVAN HAUSE and DUNCAN NEILSON.
GEORGE GARRETT KEAST, GUEST CONDUCTOR
N'KENGE SIMPSON-HOFFMAN, SOPRANO
Selections will include: Vocabularium, Mad Love Songs,, Sweet Nothing, and Luna Circus

Friday March 7 & Saturday March 8, 2003 8 PM
St. Peter's Church in Chelsea,
346 W. 20 St. (8-9 Aves) NYC
PRISM PROJECTS: NEW OPERA PERFORMANCES
Prism Projects will present the first performances of the expanded and revised version of Uncovered by Night by composer ROGER ZAHAB. Performers include: Robert Frankenberry, tenor and Gilda Lyons, soprano

Future Prism Projects

C. Bryan Rulon

CD of Works

Dennis Riley

Completion of CD Works

Also look for our expanded internet presence and live broadcasts.