This unique collaboration features contemporary dance performed to chamber works from six living composers, drawing from jazz, folk, and world music to create a “multi-hued and stylistically rich tapestry” (Bright Shiny Things). Attack Theatre’s newest interdisciplinary production, also part of CMP’s Pittsburgh Performs series, takes place from Friday–Sunday, February 24–26, at Attack Theatre Studios in Lawrenceville. The series opens with a VIP event on Friday and Saturday night, featuring artist chats and a glimpse into this creative partnership.
The performance will feature six dancers, internationally acclaimed musicians Dave Eggar, Meg Okura, and Tasha Warren-Yahuda, with a special appearance by musical legend Paquito D’Rivera.
“Attack Theatre has a long history of performing with live music, and this project furthers that career-long investigation. We were inspired by the deeply personal way in which each of these newly commissioned works were composed, and are thrilled to share this performance of dance and live music in such an intimate venue,” says Michele de la Reza, Co-Artistic Director of Attack Theatre.
“We are honored to work with Attack Theatre, a celebrated company that continues to push the dance field forward through its imaginative programming. This performance also represents an evolution of CMP’s Pittsburgh Performs, and it will be a stunning opportunity for both of our audiences to engage with these artistic disciplines in a new way,” says Kristen Linfante, Executive Director of Chamber Music Pittsburgh.
Left: Tasha Warren, Right: Dave Eggar • Photos courtesy of the musicians
Behind Ourself Concealed is a theatrical evolution of the celebrated 2022 album, Ourself Behind Ourself, Concealed, from powerhouse clarinetist Tasha Warren and internationally renowned cellist Dave Eggar.
The album—developed during the COVID-19 pandemic—features six original pieces by contemporary composers that explore themes of identity, home, and belonging. Works by Paquito D’Rivera and Pascal LeBoeuf were each nominated for a 2023 Best Instrumental Composition Grammy award, a rare honor for one chamber album.
“These new works come to life to tell stories of beauty, power, joy, ecstasy, isolation, and unity,” says Warren. “By seeking new voices and new stories to tell in classical music, Dave and I explore what makes a ‘classic’ in classical music today.”
Co-founder and Artistic Director Peter Kope adds, “The six dances each highlight a different performer and explore how mirrors become a reflective tool to forge connections within ourselves and each other.”\Paquito D’Rivera • Photos courtesy of the musicians
The performance features works for clarinet, cello, and violin by Cuban musical legend and Grammy winner Paquito D’Rivera, Native and African American vocalist and composer Martha Redbone, Haitian flutist and composer Nathalie Joachim, award-winning jazz violinist Meg Okura, multi-instrumentalist and composer Cornelius Boots, and Grammy-nominated jazz pianist and composer Pascal LeBoeuf.
“The opportunity to work with each one of these composers has been the experience of a lifetime and truly a gift,” says Warren. “After a year or two of existential questioning for countless musicians, the opportunity to create something of such beauty amid such grotesque chaos has not only saved me but has ended up being one the richest artistic experiences I can remember experiencing.”
Behind Ourself Concealed features original choreography by Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza, the co-founders of Attack Theatre, and features dancers including Lydia Clinton, Miranda Nichols, Ethan Gwynn, Isabella Bergamin, and Sarah Zielinski.
Dave Eggar, cello, Meg Okura, violin; Tasha Warren-Yehuda, clarinet, will perform the chamber works.
Saxophonist, clarinetist, and musical legend Paquito D’Rivera will join the ensemble to open the shows on Friday and Saturday performances only. Celebrated for his artistry in Latin Jazz and his achievements as a classical composer, D’Rivera has won 5 Grammy Awards and 9 Latin Grammy Awards. He is also a passionate educator; his visit to Pittsburgh in February for this special collaboration will also include a visit to Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music to work with students there.
Michele de la Reza notes, “Paquito will offer a special new composition written for Eggar, Warren-Yahuda and Okura, and himself. It promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for audiences to experience the artistry and humanity of this incredible artist in an intimate setting.”
‘Behind Ourself Concealed’ at Attack Theatre, 212 45th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201Pre-show Reception + performance on February 24 and February 25 at 6:45 pm with additional performances on February 24 and 25, 7:30 pm and a Pay What Moves You: $20 (suggested donation) performance on February 26 at 2 pm
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