“On the Wing: A Celebration of Birds in Music and Spoken Word” Connects Composer, Mass Audubon, and Nature

New Work Premiers in February with Five Performances at Four Venues

Inspired by his love of nature, particularly birdlife, composer and Berklee College of Music Professor Andrew List has created a uniquely collaborative performance piece that marries music, song, poetry, and expert commentary on birds.

On the Wing: A Celebration of Birds in Music and Spoken Word exalts birds as symbols of wonderment, freedom, and beauty. On the Wing will showcase 12 original songs by List, played by noted pianist George Lopez, Artist-in-Residence at Bowdoin College, and sung by renowned mezzo-soprano Krista River. Interspersed through the song cycle will be poems written and recited by poet and Babson College English Professor Mary Pinard (who also wrote lyrics to the music), and commentary by Wayne Petersen, Mass Audubon’s Director of Important Bird Areas and an expert guide.

The program will conclude with a question-and-answer period between the artists and the audience, moderated by List.

“Creating On the Wing is a fulfillment of a life-long desire to make a special work that celebrates birds and the natural world,” List said. “I draw most of my inspiration as a composer from the outdoors and nature, which have always been a grounding force for my music.”

Ornithologist Petersen, who has traveled the globe on behalf of birdlife, said the performance piece has great potential for connecting people to nature in an original way.

“When Andrew proposed this project, I was immediately intrigued because of our shared love of birds,” Petersen said. “And the way he has reached out to colleagues in the worlds of music and literature to join him in this concert series has re-affirmed for me how nature can inspire artists and build communities.”

VENUES, DATES, TIMES

Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 pm David Friend Recital Hall 921 Boylston St. Berklee College of Music
Friday, Feb. 14, 4 pm; Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30 pm Sudzinski Recital Hall Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 5:30 pm Glavin Chapel 231 Forest St. Babson College, Wellesley
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2:00 pm Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy, Andover
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7:30 pm David Friend Recital Hall 921 Boylston St. Berklee College of Music Boston