Nick Photinos is the cellist for Eighth Blackbird. Since its origination, Eighth Blackbird has been exploring and performing new compositions in the realm of classical music. For twenty years now, Nick and company have been pushing the boundaries their repertoire working composers such as Steve Reich, David Lang, Steve Mackey, Nico Muhly, and Bryce Dessner to name a few.
http://www.eighthblackbird.org/
After a performance at last November’s incarnation of the Third Practice Festival at the University of Richmond, I had a chance to sit down with Nick and discuss some of his ideas on listening.
In our discuss, we take a moment to focus on “Armor + 2” by Joo Wan Park, a piece we had just heard performed minutes earlier .
My most appreciative thanks to Nick for taking the time to chat, and share his thoughts. As artists in residence at the University of Richmond, we in Richmond are lucky to have the chance see Eighth Blackbird perform several times throughout the year. Do check them out if they stop by a city near you.
Hand Eye @ MCA Chicago (single channel) from eighth blackbird on Vimeo.
Steve Ashby 