No, it’s not a sci-fi film set—it’s a former sawdust factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. And now it’s a center for contemporary music called National Sawdust. The space had its eagerly awaited opening in October with five performances celebrating composer Terry Riley. The 350-seat flexible space, designed by Bureau V and Arup Theatrical Consultants, cost $16 million to build. The project was spearheaded by former tax attorney and avocational composer/organist Kevin Dolan, who bought the factory in 2012; composer Paola Prestini serves as artistic and executive director. National Sawdust has hosted composers such as Anna Clyne, John Zorn, and Matthew Aucoin, as well as pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, the vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth, American Contemporary Music Ensemble, and soprano Renée Fleming. This season, the New York Philharmonic is holding several of its “Contact!” new-music series performances there, and it will be one of eight venues for the Philharmonic’s 2016 Biennial in June. There’s an in-house bar, and soon to arrive are custom-built chairs and a restaurant.
