Banned Books is an evening-length performance of six premieres commissioned by Ensemble Pi in response to recent U.S. bills, which ban books or curtail the discussion of critical race theory, LGBTQ+ issues, antisemitism and other disputed topics in public schools and libraries. Taking inspiration from New York Times bestselling author Azar Nafisi’s Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times – a galvanizing guide to literature as an act of resistance – the concert aims to draw awareness to these oppressive practices while opening a space through music for reflection and connection. A diverse group of composers were asked to create pieces influenced by a particular banned book that resonated with them.

*Note: Official release date is to be determined.

Releasing in Fall of 2023.

We are excited to announce that a new recording of our Fall 2021 project Reparations NOW! will be released in the fall of 2023 by Bright Shiny Things label company. The project advocates for the essential importance of reparations and features new commissions by Allison Loggins-Hull, Damian Norfleet Angélica Negrón, Trevor Weston, and Courtney Bryan.

*Note: Official release date is to be determined.

We are thrilled to collaborate with the Milton Resnick and Pat Passlof Foundation to present To

Whom the Shoe Fits, a special evening exploring the essence of the creative process through

words, music, dance, and images. The event features excerpts of letters from abstract

expressionist painter Pat Passlof to her students about their craft. These are paired with

musical responses from composers Sofia Gubaidulina, Augusta Read Thomas, Laura

Kaminsky, and Kaija Saariaho. Performing the pieces along with Ensemble Pi will be guest

artists Lucy Shelton (voice and narration), and Stefanie Larriere (dance).

Banned books that grapple with these issues serve as the backbone and inspiration for the

concert, which consists of four new commissions, inspired by a title of their choosing, and a

collaboration between AJ Peoples and Ensemble Pi.

Richard Brooks: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Laura Jobin-Acosta: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Laura Kaminsky: Read Dangerously by Azar Nafisi

Tamar Muskal: Maus by Art Spiegelman

AJ Peoples: Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi

*Venue entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th

Banned books that grapple with these issues serve as the backbone and inspiration for the

concert, which consists of four new commissions, inspired by a title of their choosing, and a

collaboration between AJ Peoples and Ensemble Pi.

Richard Brooks: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Laura Jobin-Acosta: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Laura Kaminsky: Read Dangerously by Azar Nafisi

Tamar Muskal: Maus by Art Spiegelman

AJ Peoples: Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi