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Nadia Shpachenko

The Poetry of Places

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Trailer by Nadia Shpachenko
ListN Up - Nadia Shpachenko
1 Andrew Norman Frank's House for two pianists and two percussionists 09:25  
2 Harold Meltzer In Full Sail for solo piano 07:49  
3 Jack Van Zandt Si an Bhru for piano and electronics 11:52  
4 Hannah Lash Give Me Your Songs for solo piano 7:09  
5 Amy Beth Kirsten h.o.p.e. for piano, toy piano, and voice 6:12  
6 James Matheson Alone, in waters shimmering and dark for solo piano / Island 3:52  
7 James Matheson Alone, in waters shimmering and dark for solo piano / Capillary Waves 2:14  
8 James Matheson Alone, in waters shimmering and dark for solo piano / To Sky 2:52  
9 Lewis Spratlan Bangladesh for solo piano 15:01  
10 Nina C. Young Kolokol for two pianos and electronics 11:06  
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Nadia Shpachenko's latest Reference Recordings release The Poetry of Places features World Premiere recordings of works for solo piano, for two pianos, percussion, electronics, voice, and toy piano in a fascinating mélange inspired by great architecture and places. The eight compositions monumentalize places as wildly diverse as the Copland House in Cortlandt, NY, The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Louis Kahn's National Assembly Buildings in Bangladesh, Newgrange Ancient Temple in Ireland, and Frank Gehry's House in Santa Monica, CA. Included is a significant new work from Andrew Norman, Frank's House, for two pianos and percussion, and another large work from Nina C. Young, Kolokol, for two pianos and electronics (a ‘fantasy' inspired by Russian Orthodox Church Bells), recorded with Los Angeles Philharmonic pianist Joanne Pearce Martin and Los Angeles Percussion Quartet artists Nick Terry and Cory Hills. Additionally, six solo works were written specifically for this project by Amy Beth Kirsten, Hannah Lash, James Matheson, Harold Meltzer, Lewis Spratlan, and Jack Van Zandt. The composers use very different musical approaches and sonic techniques in response to their chosen spaces.

  • Nadia Shpachenko chats with Savannah GA 107.5WRUU
    Posted At: June 20, 2023
    GRAMMY® Award-winning Ukrainian-American pianist Nadia Shpachenko enjoys bringing into the world things that are outside the box – powerful pieces that often possess unusual sonic qualities or instrumentation. Described as a “gifted and versatile pianist” (San Francisco Chronicle), “one of today’s foremost promoters of contemporary music” (Textura Magazine), and “a great friend and champion of new music” (F...

  • San Bernardino Symphony chamber to feature Nadia Shpachenko-Invasion, written in response to Ukraine / The Sun
    Posted At: April 14, 2023
    GRAMMY® Award-winning Ukrainian-American pianist Nadia Shpachenko enjoys bringing into the world things that are outside the box – powerful pieces that often possess unusual sonic qualities or instrumentation. Described as a “gifted and versatile pianist” (San Francisco Chronicle), “one of today’s foremost promoters of contemporary music” (Textura Magazine), and “a great friend and champion of new music” (F...

  • With 'Invasion' Ukrainian pianist Nadia Shpachenko supports her native country / yourClassical
    Posted At: December 7, 2022
    As she watched in horror her home city of Kharkiv (and the rest of Ukraine) being destroyed and civilians being murdered every day, Nadia Shpachenko tried to come up with ways to express her feelings of utter despair and anger, as well as hope and resilience, through her music making. In addition to performing fundraising concerts featuring music by Ukrainian composers, she decided to put together a new alb...

  • Invasion: A 'NO DEAD GUYS' interview with Nadia Shpachenko
    Posted At: November 4, 2022
    REFERENCE RECORDINGS—As she watched in horror her home city of Kharkiv (and the rest of Ukraine) being destroyed and civilians being murdered every day, Nadia Shpachenko tried to come up with ways to express her feelings of utter despair and anger, as well as hope and resilience, through her music making. In addition to performing fundraising concerts featuring music by Ukrainian composers, she decided to p...

  • Lewis Spratlan and Nadia Shpachenko turn compositions inspired by the horrors of war into art / ALL ABOUT THE ARTS
    Posted At: November 1, 2022
    As she watched in horror her home city of Kharkiv (and the rest of Ukraine) being destroyed and civilians being murdered every day, Shpachenko tried to come up with ways to express her feelings of utter despair and anger, as well as hope and resilience, through her music making. In addition to performing fundraising concerts featuring music by Ukrainian composers, she decided to put together a new album to ...

  • Anyone will be amply rewarded listening to Nadia Shpachenko's outstanding new recording of Lewis Spratlan's 'Invasion' / Fanfare
    Posted At: October 12, 2022
    REFERENCE RECORDINGS—As she watched in horror her home city of Kharkiv (and the rest of Ukraine) being destroyed and civilians being murdered every day, Nadia Shpachenko tried to come up with ways to express her feelings of utter despair and anger, as well as hope and resilience, through her music making. In addition to performing fundraising concerts featuring music by Ukrainian composers, she decided to p...

  • Nadia Shpachenko chats about 'Invasion - Music and Art For Ukraine' with 1+1 TV
    Posted At: October 9, 2022
    As she watched in horror her home city of Kharkiv (and the rest of Ukraine) being destroyed and civilians being murdered every day, Nadia Shpachenko tried to come up with ways to express her feelings of utter despair and anger, as well as hope and resilience, through her music making. In addition to performing fundraising concerts featuring music by Ukrainian composers, she decided to put together a new alb...

  • GRAMMY winner Nadia Shpachenko releases; Invasion - Music and Art for Ukraine / The Claquers
    Posted At: October 4, 2022
    Grammy winner Nadiya Shpachenko recorded an album in support of UkraineAs she watched in horror her home city of Kharkiv (and the rest of Ukraine) being destroyed and civilians being murdered every day, Shpachenko tried to come up with ways to express her feelings of utter despair and anger, as well as hope and resilience, through her music making. In addition to performing fundraising concerts featuring mu...

  • 'ListN Up' with Nadia Shpachenko / I CARE IF YOU LISTEN
    Posted At: June 3, 2022
    Multiple GRAMMY® nominated pianist Nadia Shpachenko enjoys bringing into the world things that are outside the box – powerful pieces that often possess unusual sonic qualities or instrumentation. Described as a "gifted and versatile pianist" (San Francisco Chronicle), "one of today's foremost promoters of contemporary music" (Textura Magazine), and "a great friend and champion of new music" (Fanfare Magazin...

  • Ukrainian pianist and CPP professor helps fundraise for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine / The Poly Post
    Posted At: March 22, 2022
    The Poly Post - Matisse Sanchez writes…..At a March 8 benefit, Grammy award winner and professor in the Department of Music at Cal Poly Pomona, Nadia Shpachenko helped raise awareness for the war ravaging the people in Ukraine.With over 200 people that participated in the live event and through Zoom, donors came from around the country, with some tuning in all the way from Canada and Ukraine.Over $45K was r...

  • Nadia Shpachenko discusses 'The Poetry of Places' with the Rio Grande Guardian
    Posted At: June 9, 2020

    Cal Poly Pomona Music Professor Nadia Shpachenko won her first Grammy Award for her album, "The Poetry of Places," in the category of Best Classical Compendium at the Staples Center on Jan. 26. "I feel like the Grammy is the icing on the cake," the Ukranian-born Shpachenko said. "I really did this project because I wanted to work with these composers … I wanted to connect the works with all the th...

  • GRAMMY winner Nadia Shpachenko discusses 'The Poetry of Places' with The Classical Station, 89.7WCPE
    Posted At: March 4, 2020

    Pianist Nadia Shpachenko's GRAMMY winning Reference Recordings release - The Poetry of Places features World Premiere recordings of works for solo piano, for two pianos, percussion, electronics, voice, and toy piano in a fascinating mélange inspired by great architecture and places. The eight compositions monumentalize places as wildly diverse as the Copland House in Cortlandt, NY, The America...

  • PublicRadio90 - Classiclectic Connection features GRAMMY winner Nadia Shpachenko and 'The Poetry of Places'
    Posted At: February 26, 2020

    Many new music releases are about a style, an artist, or a particular composer. The Poetry of Places seems to promote a kind of spatial awareness through the process of creating and listening to new music. Nadia Shpachenko's Reference Recordings release won a 2020 GRAMMY and features World Premiere recordings of works for solo piano, for two pianos, percussion, electronics, voice, and toy piano in a ...

  • Nadia Shpachenko discusses GRAMMY winning recording with Central Michigan University Radio
    Posted At: February 11, 2020

    Pianist Nadia Shpachenko's GRAMMY winning Reference Recordings release - The Poetry of Places features World Premiere recordings of works for solo piano, for two pianos, percussion, electronics, voice, and toy piano in a fascinating mélange inspired by great architecture and places. The eight compositions monumentalize places as wildly diverse as the Copland House in Cortlandt, NY, T...

  • Fresh off her GRAMMY win for 'Best Classical Compendium,' Nadia Shpachenko discusses 'The Poetry of Places' with FM91-Toledo
    Posted At: February 4, 2020

    Fresh off her Grammy Award win for Best Classical Compendium, pianist Nadia Shpachenko joins FM91 Toledo OH to showcase The Poetry of Places. Featuring several world premieres, the disc has a fascinating premise: composers writing music inspired by the diverse architectural landmarks that have played a role in their lives. In addition to the piano, there are works that include percussion, electronics, vo...

  • Nadia Shpachenko wins 2020 GRAMMY Award 'Best Classical Compendium' for 'The Poetry of Places'
    Posted At: January 27, 2020

    Nadia Shpachenko's The Poetry of Places on Reference Recordings features World Premiere works for solo piano, for two pianos, percussion, electronics, voice, and toy piano in a fascinating mélange inspired by great architecture and places. The eight compositions monumentalize places as wildly diverse as the Copland House in Cortlandt, NY, The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Louis K...

  • Nadia Shpachenko's 'Poetry of Places' is a surprising and refreshing collection, nominated for two 2020 GRAMMY awards / Claremont Courier
    Posted At: December 27, 2019

    Claremont resident Nadia Shpachenko's new record "The Poetry of Places" has been nominated for two 2020 Grammy Awards, for best classical compendium for the album, and for producer of the year, classical, for producers Victor and Marina Ledin. Ms. Shpachenko has been on the faculty at Claremont Graduate University for nine years, where she teaches doctoral piano students. She has also led the piano perfo...

  • Nadia Shpachenko - The Poetry of Places selected for 2020 GRAMMY nomination
    Posted At: November 20, 2019

    Nadia Shpachenko - The Poetry of Places selected for 2019 GRAMMY nomination in the Best Classical Compendium category. Nadia Shpachenko's Reference Recordings release The Poetry of Places features World Premiere recordings of works for solo piano, for two pianos, percussion, electronics, voice, and toy piano in a fascinating mélange inspired by great architecture and places. The ...

  • Nadia Shpachenko visits KPFK: Los Angeles to discuss: The Poetry of Places
    Posted At: October 1, 2019

    Nadia Shpachenko's latest Reference Recordings release The Poetry of Places features World Premiere recordings of works for solo piano, for two pianos, percussion, electronics, voice, and toy piano in a fascinating mélange inspired by great architecture and places. The eight compositions monumentalize places as wildly diverse as the Copland House in Cortlandt, NY, The American Vision...

  • Nadia Shpachenko - The Poetry of Places is a superb assemblage of works that explores architecture as inspiration / I CARE IF YOU LISTEN
    Posted At: July 16, 2019

    Multi-GRAMMY nominated pianist Nadia Shpachenko reflects on the role of the concert hall in the liner notes for her recent Reference Recordings album The Poetry of Places: "The hall is the most important instrument…we spend a great deal of time learning to embrace the space, learning what our pieces mean in the space, how our interpretation must change because of where we are." An album of solo an...

  • Nadia Shpachenko premieres a remarkable lineup of 10 new works on 'The Poetry of Places' / San Francisco Chronicle
    Posted At: April 10, 2019

    It's all too easy to think of music as disembodied sound. But of course music exists within a physical space and often interacts with its surroundings in both its execution and its inspiration. In "The Poetry of Places," the gifted and versatile pianist Nadia Shpachenko premieres a remarkable lineup of 10 new works written in response to specific locations – some geographical, some architectural. ...

  • Nadia Shpachenko's 'The Poetry of Places' is an impressive collection of new works by outstanding contemporary composers / Sequenza21
    Posted At: April 9, 2019

    San Francisco-based Reference Recordings has released The Poetry of Places, a new CD of piano music performed by Nadia Shpachenko. Featuring eight new compositions from prominent contemporary composers, The Poetry of Places consists of world premiers inspired by structures such as the Gehry House in Santa Monica and the Copland House in Cortlandt, NY. The pieces in this album are for solo piano, for two ...

  • Nadia Shpachenko's 'Poetry of Places' is a fascinating collection featuring established and emerging composers / Cinemusical
    Posted At: April 8, 2019

    Pianist Nadia Shpachenko, has made a number of critically-acclaimed recordings for the Reference label (with multiple Grammy nominations).  Her programs often feature unique works, often recent commissions, that explore her interest in collaborations while also finding unique themes that help tie the albums together.  That is certainly the  case here in The Poetry of Places.  This new...

  • Nadia Shpachenko's exceptional technical command is on full display throughout 'The Poetry of Places' / textura
    Posted At: April 7, 2019

    The Poetry of Places could easily pass for the final part of a trilogy, so complementary is it to Nadia Shpachenko's previous Reference Recordings releases, Woman at the New Piano (2014) and Quotations & Homages (2018). In all three cases, the intrepid pianist tackles challenging new works by a host of innovative composers, and while the concentration is on solo piano, pieces featuring two pianos...

  • Nadia Shpachenko's 'The Poetry of Places' features a scintillating mix of daring sound, genuine beauty, and humor / Fanfare
    Posted At: April 5, 2019

    As was the case with Nadia Shpachenko's previous Reference Recordings project, Quotations and Homages, this release features a broad range of contemporary voices, with a scintillating mix of daring sound, genuine beauty, and a commodity too often missing from the new music world: humor. This collection of eight new works, all receiving world premiere recordings, draws inspiration from significant archite...

  • On 'The Poetry of Places,' Nadia Shpachenko valiantly navigates the now tranquil, now tumultuous waters of eight new works / Rafael's Music Notes
    Posted At: April 4, 2019

    The Poetry of Places, Nadia Shpachenko's CD recorded in 2017 and just now released by Reference Recordings is a celebration of new music featuring a formidable pianist in the company of top practitioners in the field. Andrew Norman's Frank's House opens the CD with an ironic musical commentary on the use of contemporary construction materials overlaid upon a 1920's bungalow  transformed by architect...

  • Nadia Shpachenko's 'Poetry of Places' is a collection of original and highly imaginative works for piano, assorted instruments, and effects / theWholeNote
    Posted At: April 2, 2019

    Nadia Shpachenko's latest release The Poetry of Places (Reference Recordings, FR 730, www.referencerecordings.com) is a collection of original and highly imaginative works for piano, assorted instruments and effects. The concept for the recording project is an exploration of the relationship between music and its space. Shpachenko writes briefly about her experiences of space on performance, including th...

  • Each work on 'The Poetry of Places' is memorable, and beautifully played by Nadia Shpachenko / Music for Several Instruments
    Posted At: February 27, 2019

    In his 1873 essay "The School of Giorgione" Walter Pater famously said "All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music." Those forces are evident in each of these World Premiere works by eight composers, in this marvellous disc from pianist Nadia Shpachenko. Each of the works is about a special place, with music interacting with a wide range of human activities: fine and applied arts (architec...
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