Composer Kenji Bunch has been attracting much attention lately, both nationally and abroad. Also a concert violist and bluegrass performer, his music offers an eclectic...

Composer Kenji Bunch has been attracting much attention lately, both nationally and abroad. Also a concert violist and bluegrass performer, his music offers an eclectic mix of roots music, modern rock and jazz--but mostly within the context of sophisticated classical form. The title piece, Boiling Point, (featuring a teakettle!), begins gently before coming to a hard-rock-style "boil". The five movements of String Circle flirt with various types of classic roots music (ragtime, blues, country)--yet you know a classical voice is at work. Three other fascinating works round out the program. The Grammy® nominated ALIAS Chamber Ensemble is a forward looking group of 11 musicians (strings, winds, harp, etc.) that cultivates an "out of the box" approach to their programming.