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Cell Block: Stories of the Eastern State Penitentiary

Chamber Music Now

Recipient

Grant Year 2008

Grant Amount $20,000

Status Completed

Updated May 30, 2023

Chamber Music Now commissioned new works inspired by the history of Eastern State Penitentiary by Philadelphia-based composers Philip Maneval, David Laganella, Richard Brodhead, and Richard Belcastro. The world premiere of the compositions was performed inside the cellblock walls of the Penitentiary by the Chamber Music Now ensemble, comprised of clarinetist Josh Kovach, violinist and Pew Fellow Hanna Khoury, cellist Miguel Rojas, percussionist Gabe Globus-Hoenich, and soprano Rachael Garcia.

Recipient

Chamber Music Now

Founded in 2002 by two composers, Chamber Music Now (CMN) provided the Philadelphia community with original concert productions. CMN presented 18 productions in seven years and premiered 36 new works written for its concert series, many by young composers. CMN designed its concert themes and collaborative efforts to attract a broad range of new listeners and to re-shape the image of chamber music in the community. The concert series provided a platform to present established and emerging local artists, as well as unique talent from around the globe.

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