We’ve been taking advantage of the “pause” in our state’s cultural programming to take stock — both of our supply of toiletries and our past coverage of the arts scene (i.e. we’ve been working on our archives). We wanted to bring this video from 2015 — about a collaboration between Ririe-Woodbury Dance and the Salt Lake Electric Ensemble — to the front of our site, as an example both of a beautiful collaboration and of the wonderful performing arts groups we are missing at the moment.

Terry Riley’s minimalist composition “In C” is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The Salt Lake Electric Ensemble has performed this piece at the Utah Arts Festival, on KUER’s Radio West, and at BYU. This weekend, they revisit the piece in a collaboration with Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. In a new work, choreographed by Daniel Charon, these two organizations have created a challenging, yet satisfying performance called 53 Rooms in which the musicians and the performers must play off each other as this particular piece of music, with its variety and improvisation, is unique with each performance.

Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company and Salt Lake Electric Ensemble
53 Rooms
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center
April 9, 10, 11, 2015
tickets available at arttix.org

Laura Durham

Laura Durham is the Director of Programming and Engagement for PBS Utah. She curates projects and plans events that utilize local and national media to provide entertainment and meaningful dialogue beyond broadcast. Prior to PBS Utah, Laura worked at the Division of Arts & Museums for 15 years, served as Vice President of the Salt Lake Gallery Association, Program Director for the Salt Lake Gallery Stroll, and was a board member for the Utah Cultural Alliance.