eighth blackbird group performs ‘Pierrot lunaire’ Tuesday, Jan. 24

Syracuse University’s Arts Engage welcomes the sextet eighth blackbird for a performance of Schoenberg’s ‘Pierrot lunaire’ on Tuesday, Jan. 24. The production will take place at the Carrier Theater in the Civic Center at 7 p.m.

The Chicago-based, Grammy-award winning group combines the sounds of a string quartet, a rock band and a storefront theater company. Its adaptation of Schoenberg’s “Pierrot lunaire” continues eighth blackbird’s commitment to performances that blur the boundaries between music and theater.

Directed by renowned New York choreographer Mark DeChiazza, the production features soprano Lucy Shelton, dancer Elyssa Dole and eighth blackbird percussionist Matthew Duvall. The musicians of eighth blackbird perform the challenging work entirely from memory.

In addition to SU, “Pierrot lunaire” will be presented at the Kennedy Center and the McAninch Arts Center. Chicago performances include a Reich-fest in Millennium Park, Composition Competition finals, premieres by Nico Muhly and Sofia Gubaidulina, and a mini-festival at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

General admission tickets are $15 for public, $10 for non-SU students and seniors, and free tickets can be reserved for SU students, faculty and staff. To reserve tickets, email SUartspresenter@syr.edu, or call 443-0296.

The members of eighth blackbird hail from America’s Great Lakes, Keystone, Golden and Bay states, and Australia’s Sunshine State. The group holds ongoing ensemble-in-residence positions at the University of Richmond and University of Chicago, and has led short-term residencies at the Curtis Institute, Colburn School, University of Michigan, Oberlin College, Southern Methodist University and Rice University.

Arts Engage is part of Syracuse University’s Office of the Arts Presenter and engages and inspires SU and the surrounding Syracuse community through diverse performance art. The 2011-2012 Arts Engage season includes David Sedaris, Buglisi Dance Theatre, Harlem stride pianist Stephanie Trick, Kronos Quartet, Diavolo and much more. Arts Engage is also proud to collaborate with Syracuse Stage and Ping Chong & Company in the ongoing creation of “Cry for Peace: Voices from the Congo,” a documentary theater production based on the stories of CNY Congolese refugees.