David Friend & Jerome Begin

David Friend is a classically-trained pianist interested in thinking beyond traditional boundaries that artificially restrain necessary experimentation and evolution in music. The New York Times describes him as “[one] of the finest, busiest pianists active in New York’s contemporary-classical scene.” With a primary focus on new and experimental music, he performs regularly in the U.S. and abroad at major venues and festivals as well as alternative DIY spaces. He collaborates frequently with groups including Bent Duo, Grand Band, Bang on a Can All Stars, Alarm Will Sound, International Contemporary Ensemble, and Julius Eastman Memorial Dinner and has worked extensively with living composers – from Pulitzer prizewinners to emerging voices. He records frequently with a wide variety of collaborators and is featured on Third Coast Percussion’s album of music by Steve Reich, which won the Grammy Award for best chamber music performance.

Called a “fabulous composer-pianist” and an “unimpeachable” choice of collaborator by the New York Times, Jerome Begin has composed many scores for dance, theater, concert works, installation and film. Equally at home in the classical, experimental, theatrical and pop worlds, he has always been drawn to collaboration. Begin’s recent works have incorporated extensive use of electronics to process and augment the sound of acoustic instruments. His vast experience composing in the dance and theater realms has lent to his music a deep understanding of the dynamics of live performance. He writes with a keen consciousness of the inherent theater present in the making of music. Begin’s works have been performed throughout the USA, Europe, and Asia. Commissions include Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, Abraham in Motion, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Brian Brooks Moving Company, and many others. He is currently on the faculty of The Juilliard School.