CUSP Presents: LIGAMENT // Ensemble Mercury

LIGAMENT (Anika Kildegaard + Will Yager) will present a program of new works for voice and double bass which explore the vast sonic worlds made possible by this duo’s unique instrumentation. Highlights include Nick Bentz’s please continue which examines the relationship between psychedelics and American politics from the 80s to today; Ruby Fulton’s and if not, why not which reveals the isolating effects of interstate migration on new mothers in early 20th century America; and James Dillon’s A Roaring Flame: a glossolalic summoning, a primordial and macabre incantation. The program will also include works by Amy Beth Kirsten and Katherine Balch. The surprising combination of double bass and voice brings a new and exciting world of sound to the pressing and political pieces on this program.

Recently described as “perverse and nihilistic” by someone on Twitter, Anika Kildegaard (voice) and Will Yager (double bass) are LIGAMENT, an ensemble dedicated to commissioning new music and creating work for their unique instrumentation. LIGAMENT’s performances are a fusion of standard and non-standard elements; sometimes there are high heels and sometimes there are electric toothbrushes (and sometimes both). The duo is equally at home with extended techniques as with extra-musical elements.

LIGAMENT is currently based in Baltimore/Philadelphia.

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Ensemble Mercury is a flexible group of Cleveland-based string musicians. This program will feature siblings, Ellie Glorioso (cello) and McKenna Glorioso (violin).

Ellie Glorioso (they/them) is a cellist and composer based in Cleveland, Ohio. They have served on the faculty of The Cleveland Institute of Music, Notre Dame College, and The Music Settlement. In 2022 they launched The Cello Collective, a cello studio in Larchmere and through it teach over 40 students weekly. In 2017 Ellie cofounded Cleveland Music Exchange and led classical music education trips to Zimbabwe and Chihuahua, Mexico working with over 100 students and performing for over 2,000 audience members. As a New Music advocate Ellie has been honored to premier many new works including the Ohio premier performance of Anna Clyne’s concerto for cello and orchestra, DANCE. This CUSP performance marks their composition debut.

McKenna Glorioso is a musician and educator based in Cleveland with degrees in Violin Performance from McGill University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. McKenna founded and manages Ensemble Mercury and is a violinist in the Akron Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, McKenna joined the national tour for “Our Planet: Live in Concert,” performing over 50 shows and traveling to over 30 states in just three months. McKenna was a resident Teaching Artist at Rainey Institute from 2018 – 2022, which fostered a belief in accessible music education for all and a deep connection to the Cleveland community. They now teach violin and viola at The Music Settlement. Finally, McKenna made their debut as a curator, composer, and producer in 2023 with an installation for Maelstrom Collaborative Arts’ Cadre showcase.