Cellist Liam Battle, currently pursuing a Master’s of Music in cello performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music (in the studio of Dr. Melissa Kraut) will introduce to a work for solo cello, Sept Papillons (Seven Butterflies) by Finish composer Kaija Saariaho (1952-2023). Saariaho produced one of the most important bodies of work for cello of the 20th and 21st centuries (six pieces for solo cello plus numerous concertante and chamber music works). Sept Papillons was commissioned by the Rudolf Steiner Foundation and premiered in 2000 by Finish cellist, Anssi Karttunen. In it, Saariaho finds a new sound world of the ephemeral as represented by the butterfly. Mr. Battle will discuss the structure of the piece and its non-traditional notation, and demonstrate the extended techniques required to play the seven miniatures comprising this piece. Anssi Karttunnen describes this work as “studies on a different aspect of fragile and ephemeral movement, that has no beginning or end.” The presentation will conclude with a performance by Liam Battle of this eleven-minute masterpiece.”
Kaija Saariaho
Kaija Saariaho was a renowned Finnish composer known for her innovative blending of orchestral and electronic music. Born in 1952, she achieved international acclaim with works such as the opera "L'Amour de Loin" and the orchestral piece "Graal Théâtre." Saariaho's music is celebrated for its rich textures and unique soundscapes, solidifying her as a significant figure in contemporary classical music.
Liam Battle
Liam Battle is a cellist, curator and composer studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music who focuses heavily on the study and performance of contemporary classical music. Most of this work takes place via the Antigone Music Collective. Through the Collective, Liam regularly performs and curates modern music at nontraditional concert locations. The AMC is dedicated to showing the importance of live modern classical music, creating social concert experiences, and putting the work of living composers in dialogue with great composers of the 20th century.
Tickets: $5 at the door only (no advance sales), free to CCS members and Judson residents
CRUCIAL VENUE LOCATION INFORMATION While 2181 Ambleside Drive is the “official “ address of Judson Park, the Auditorium is best reached through the entry located on Chestnut Hills Drive. Parking options include limited spaces on the Judson Park’s circle drive and an abundance of street parking along Chestnut Hills Drive. PLEASE NOTE THE LOCATION IS JUDSON PARK, NOT JUDSON MANOR (which is “down the hill” closer to the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Wade Lagoon)! See map:
