Christopher Rountree

All the performances, led by Rountree, were exceptional, the ensemble turning on an astonishing stylistic dime. This group really has come a long way technically, intellectually, emotionally and technologically. . . . on Saturday night, the future of classical music of all music seemed in the right new hands. If traditional virtuosity contains an e... lement of surprise, Christopher Rountrees because I left it there delivered it with a deceptively simple, folk-like score that Ms. Koh played while reciting a quirky, wistful monologue about an offering of frozen yogurt left to melt unappreciated on a front porch. We see Lady Macbeth in a dozen crooning silhouettes washing blood out of rags over bright porcelain sinks; hear Stravinsky pouring out of an abandoned warehouse; see dozens of watermelons fly off of Disney Hall; hear a black and white overture imploring against hatred; parse a chorus singing Haydns Creation backwards; watch a violinist cutting himself out of duct tape with a razor as his amplified violin sits gathering feedback; celebrate with rituals joyous for the end of the world; witness a long lost John Adams suite come alive; and hear the sound of rose-petal jam making as music. Conductor and composer Christopher Rountree, is standing at the intersection of classical music, new music, performance art and pop. Whether presenting his beloved chamber group Wild Up in a museum bathroom, directing a series of interdisciplinary ambient concerts called SILENCE in an oak grove, or leading renowned ensembles through new music freshest works at the worlds greatest concert halls, Rountree has distinguished himself as one of classical musics most forward-thinking innovators in creativity and community building. I think of scenarios that will awaken peoples hearts or change peoples minds about something, then set them up, and see what happens, Rountree, 36, says of his approach. If I can imagine how a program will live in a space and that thought makes me smile, then Im ready to start. Rountree, is the founder, ...Read More