Seattle Modern Orchestra: Corporeal Worlds – Music by Bethany Younge & Mauricio Kagel

• C. Neil Parsons, trombone

Seattle Modern Orchestra explores new and historical works of music theatre, presenting pieces that ask performers to move, speak, and break the fourth wall. C. Neil Parsons, a self-defined "hybrid artist," joins as soloist, director, and choreographer. Bethany Younge considers composing "an act of bodily knowing"; her new work for SMO celebrates the physicality of performance, and pairs with the dystopian humor of Mauicio Kagel's iconic Finale. Frederic Rzewski's Moonrise with Memories will feature Parsons on bass trombone, with text by Langston Hughes, and Younge's Orbits fills the space in Town Hall's Great Hall with roving musicians.

About Seattle Modern Orchestra

Founded in 2010, Seattle Modern Orchestra (SMO) is the only large ensemble in the Pacific Northwest solely dedicated to the music of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Led by co-artistic directors Julia Tai and Jérémy Jolley, SMO commissions and premieres new works from an international lineup of composers, in addition to presenting important pieces from the contemporary repertoire that are rarely if ever heard by Seattle audiences. The ensemble "operates at that exciting cusp between old and new, between tradition and innovation" (Vanguard Seattle) curating new sounds and experiences for concert goers in the region.

SMO provides audiences with performances of the best in contemporary chamber and orchestral music, and develops radio talks, lectures, and other forms of outreach in an accessible and inviting format all designed to expand the listener’s appreciation and awareness of the music of today.

About C. Neil Parsons, trombone

C. Neil Parsons has been performing for as long as he can remember, appearing in his first professional theatre production at age three. Extensive touring has taken him to 40 states, with performances at major performing arts centers such as the Kennedy Center, residencies at numerous universities, and solo engagements with symphony orchestras, including the Boston Symphony.

His creative output runs the gamut of music, theatre, and dance productions: from solo to chamber to orchestral music (including symphony, pit, and disco orchestras); from Shakespeare to musical theatre to outdoor drama; and from modern to tap to site-specific dance pieces. Neil also has experience with aerial silks and clowning.

Beyond his versatility across disciplines and genres, Neil is best-known for combining his talents in music, theatre, and dance. In 2010 he co-founded the hybrid arts ensemble The Fourth Wall with flutist Hilary Abigana and percussionist Greg Jukes. Winners of the 2014 Savvy Musician in Action Chamber Ensemble Competition, The Fourth Wall continues to develop interdisciplinary works and innovative performances for diverse audiences, including New Music concerts, Fringe Festivals, collaborative productions with The Phoenix Theatre and Windfall Dancers, guest artist appearances with orchestras, and arts-integrated educational offerings. Through residency programs, The Fourth Wall leads hybrid arts workshops for musicians, dancers, and actors to share collaborative techniques.

An active commissioner of new music, Neil has premiered the works of many composers, including Brett Abigaña, Jen Baker, Miguel Bareilles, Alla Borzova, Justin Casinghino, Ramon Castillo, Jon Deak, Jesus Gonzalez, Chris Grymes, Davide Ianni, Clifton Ingram, Jerome Kitzke, Doug Lofstrom, Stefanie Lubkowski, Luigi Morleo, Greg Nahabedian, Jose Guillermo Puello, Bahar Royaee, George Tsontakis, Jeremy Van Buskirk, Po-Chun Wang, Randall Woolf, and Mark Zuckerman.

Neil graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy and received his Bachelor’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied bass trombone with Ray Premru. While at Oberlin, he combined his interests in music, dance, and teaching by designing an individual major: Interdisciplinary Performance and Education. He then continued his studies with trombonist Tony Baker and at the Ohio University School of Dance. Neil earned a Master's degree in 2017 as an inaugural member of the newly-launched Contemporary Classical Music Performance graduate program at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.

Neil is an Assistant Professor of Theater in Boston Conservatory at Berklee's Contemporary Theater BFA program.

Neil is also a Licensed Massage Therapist, specializing in the needs of performers and athletes.