“Composer and violinist Jessie Montgomery can capture a huge sweep of music in a single movement,” writes Jed Gottlieb in Saturday’s (2/27) Boston Herald. “Montgomery’s ‘Source Code’ has brief bits where it evokes familiar pieces of 19th century chamber music. But it spends a lot of time nodding to modernist classical music, winking at jazz traditions, and draws inspiration from Black artists of the civil rights era. In early March, Castle of our Skins will bring Montgomery to the Longy School of Music at Bard College for a three-day residency that will feature lectures, master classes and open rehearsals culminating in the concert ‘Break Away.’ A local concert and educational series devoted to celebrating Black artistry through music, Castle of our Skins will put on the residency … as part of a long 12 months of expanding its reach and audience.… In the wake of twin pandemics—a deadly virus and the unrelenting, devastating impact of racism—Castle of our Skins has only expanded its mission and highlighted both storied and almost-unknown Black artists…. What started with more humble ideas, including the Black Composer Miniature Challenge that had it premiering short pieces written specifically for the organization, rolls into an impressive spring.”
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