JAGGED EDGES: A Concert of Non-Conformity
From Beethoven to Punk Violin: Composer’s Voice Explores the Boundaries
of Classical Music
JAGGED EDGES brings together Beethoven, Liszt, Chaminade, world premieres, and the rebellious spirit of punk in an unforgettable evening of musical discovery.
NEW YORK, NY — The Composer’s Voice Concert Series, in collaboration with Mr. Doug Music Academy, presents JAGGED EDGES, an electrifying concert exploring the boundaries between classical tradition and
contemporary innovation. Featuring world premieres, New York premieres, and masterworks spanning more than two centuries, the program showcases acclaimed performers Stephen Porter, piano, and Tzu-En Lee, violin.
The concert takes place **Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Rehearsal Hall at the National Opera Center, 330 Seventh Avenue (at West 29th Street), 7th Floor, New York City.
Violinist **Tzu-En Lee** will give the world premiere of Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame: PUNK VIOLIN, a collection of fifteen one-minute works inspired by the rebellious spirit of punk. Written by fifteen living composers, the set embraces individuality, experimentation, and musical nonconformity while showcasing the expressive possibilities of the solo violin.
Pianist Stephen Porter, renowned for his imaginative programming, presents a recital that creates compelling conversations across generations. The centerpiece is the New York premiere of Andrew
List’s monumental Le Pont Universel, paired with Franz Liszt’s deeply reflective Aux Cyprès de la Villa d’Este – Thrénodie No. 2. Porter also juxtaposes Cécile Chaminade’s nostalgic Autrefois with the
world premiere of Douglas DaSilva’s celestial fantasy Alnilam.
Completing the program are three one-minute works from Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame: Re-Imagining Beethoven, interwoven with Beethoven’s transcendent Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109, demonstrating how today’s composers continue to engage with one of music’s most enduring voices.
“A transcendent experience.” – New York Arts
Internationally acclaimed pianist Stephen Porter is celebrated for his imaginative programming and compelling performances. An Artist-in-Residence at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris since 2011, he has appeared as a soloist throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Renowned for creating thoughtful connections between masterworks and contemporary music, Porter leads audiences on musical journeys that are both intellectually engaging and deeply moving.
Violinist Tzu-En Lee has won numerous awards, including the Taiwan National Violin Competition. While rooted in the classical tradition, she is equally committed to championing contemporary music, frequently
collaborating with living composers. She appeared as soloist in the New York premiere of Douglas Townsend’s Concerto in the Old Style for Three Solo Violins and String Orchestra and, in 2015, premiered her ownTaiwanese-themed Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame for solo violin. Since 2023, she has served as violist with the Alaria Chamber Ensemble and performs on composer Steven Christopher Sacco’s album Kaya Songs.
JAGGED EDGES celebrates the creative dialogue between tradition and innovation, demonstrating that the boldest new musical ideas are often born from conversations with the past.
Event Information
JAGGED EDGES
Saturday, September 19, 2026
7:00 PM
National Opera Center – Rehearsal Hall
330 Seventh Avenue (at West 29th Street), 7th Floor
New York, NY
Tickets: $20 in advance through Eventbrite: JAGGED EDGES
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jagged-edges-a-concert-of-non-conformity-tickets-1996375051520?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information, please contact:
Douglas DaSilva
Mr. Doug Music Academy
[mrdougmusic@hotmail.com (mailto:mrdougmusic@hotmail.com)
