113

113, a collection of composers and performers of new music, curates concerts, seminars, and master-classes throughout the Twin Cities.  Through ambitious programming, community building, educational outreach, and emphasis on extensive interaction between composers and performers that exceeds the industry standard, 113 transmits bold, personalized artistic visions as directly and honestly as possible, unfettered by university politics, market pressures, or established conventions.   

Our residency program brings internationally recognized musicians across state and national borders to the Twin Cities for concerts and educational outreach, including visits to middle schools, cultural centers, senior living centers, and universities.  Among those featured during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 seasons were the Swedish/German violin duo: Duo Gelland, California composer and guitarist: Michael Pisaro, Mexican composer and theorist: Julio Estrada; Israeli composer: Chaya Czernowin; Hartford percussionist: Bill Solomon, and the Chicago-based Ensemble Dal Niente.  

Our local concert series features Twin Cities composers and performers taking substantive artistic risks, including unorthodox performance techniques, creative uses of technology, quarter tones or other nonstandard tunings, and heightened theatricality.  This season featured two local ensembles: Strains (Kyle Hutchins, James DeVoll, Carlynn Savot, and Jeremy Johnson) and Without Fear of Wind or Vertigo (Lauren McNee, Emily Biesel).  The Lux string quartet and The Gregorian Singers will be added to the roster shortly.     

The 113 Composers Collective is leading a capital campaign with The Gregorian Singers and the Strains New Music Ensemble to acquire, renovate, and repurpose the historic Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church-on-the-Hill (SPOTH) as a music co-op, ensuring the sustainability of contemporary and early chamber music through a shared workspace, and providing low-cost rental options for small arts organizations. 

Despite the repeated success of visual arts co-ops, a musical equivalent doesn’t currently exist in Saint Paul, due to the rarity of spaces with suitable acoustics. With SPOTH currently on the market, a unique and time-sensitive opportunity has presented itself.

 Built in 1913, SPOTH is an important part of Saint Paul’s history. Its sanctuary has the best acoustics of any space in the city. This project will see it used for high-quality performances, recordings, festivals, music publishing, education initiatives, art exhibitions, community events, and artist residencies, while maintaining its architectural beauty for posterity.