The following is an addendum to the American Composers Alliance review which appeared in the hard copy version of New Music Connoisseur. The three reviews published here were forced off the pages because of space limitations. For those who would like to see the complete review but do not have the magazine, you may request a copy by contacting us at publisher@newmusicon.org .

Reprinted here is the brief introduction to the festival.

Wearing Several Hats and Making The Present Felt

by BLC ©2004 and Mark Greenfest ©2004

American Composers Alliance : American Music Festival. Works by more than 20 Composers. Performed by Ensemble ∏, The Sirius String Quartet, Soundclock and guest soloists. The Flea Theater, NY , NY . June 16-20, 2004.

Henry Cowell

In his printed introduction to this ACA Festival, Pres. Hubert Howe quoted Henry Cowell, writing in 1948, that “My admiration and enjoyment of foreign cultures have led me to welcome types of musical treatment which show the close relationship between our musical concepts and those developed by other people.” One feels that this statement serves as the thread running through the entire festival much more so than its subtitle 'The Past, Present and Future of American Music.' After all, can we really encompass our past here or forecast our future?

Virgil Thomson

Throughout the foregoing comments we will point to many examples of that right now - or at least within the past 20 years - what the American composer is really doing is seeking a synthesis between us and them. Is that not how all art becomes truly classic? The two honorees of the festival, Cowell and Virgil Thomson, most certainly pursued that idea in their day, despite the latter's studies with Nadia Boulanger, who often spoke of anv “American” music.

Program IV Saturday, June 19, Early Afternoon. 'Young American Composers .'

Program V Saturday, June 19, Late Afternoon. 'Piano Plus.'

Program VII, Sunday, June 20th , Afternoon. 'Electronic Music.'