UC Irvine Faculty and Alumni to Perform at LA Philharmonic’s “Noon to Midnight” Festival
Assistant Professor Rajna Swaminathan and Lecturer Dr. Dawn Norfleet present new music
On November 16, 2024, UC Irvine’s Department of Music faculty and alumni will be featured prominently at the LA Philharmonic’s annual “Noon to Midnight” festival, a 12-hour marathon of contemporary music held at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. This year’s event, curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid, explores the theme of Field Recordings, focusing on the intersections of art, technology and nature through performances and installations that span the entire campus. UC Irvine’s contributions to this event showcase the diversity and innovation of the university’s musical talent.
One of the festival’s key performances will be the world premiere of Mangal, a new composition by Assistant Professor Rajna Swaminathan. Known for her expertise in rhythm and improvisation across South Asian and Western traditions, Swaminathan’s work frequently explores the interplay between music, culture and identity. Mangal continues her boundary-pushing approach, combining traditional South Indian instruments like the mridangam with modern elements of jazz and electronic music. This performance will feature a diverse ensemble of musicians, including voice, violin, viola d’amore and saxophone, all creating a dynamic soundscape that reflects Swaminathan’s innovative compositional voice. Her piece is part of the festival's larger effort to present music that “carves unique paths through physical and emotional landscapes,” as described by Reid.
In another highly anticipated set, UC Irvine Lecturer Dr. Dawn Norfleet, who teaches Jazz History and improvisation, will join forces with two other distinguished artists with ties to the university. Dr. JoVia Armstrong, a recent Ph.D. graduate of the department’s Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology (ICIT) program and now an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, will perform alongside Norfleet and current ICIT Ph.D. student Fabricio Watanay. This trio’s performance is an exciting fusion of jazz, percussion, electronic music and cultural influences, offering festival-goers a unique blend of improvisation and structured composition. Armstrong, who specializes in percussion and technology, brings an innovative approach to blending electronic sounds with acoustic instruments, while Watanay’s use of voice, clay instruments, and electronics adds a layer of experimentation to the group’s sonic palette.
The “Noon to Midnight” festival, which has become one of the LA Philharmonic’s signature events, is known for celebrating the work of visionary composers and performers. This year’s theme of Field Recordings invites artists to explore how sound interacts with the environment, encouraging audiences to listen deeply to the world around them. More than 35 composers, including Swaminathan, will premiere new works, while a diverse lineup of ensembles and soloists will perform throughout the day, activating every corner of the Walt Disney Concert Hall campus.
Beyond the performances, “Noon to Midnight” offers festivalgoers the opportunity to engage with interactive installations, a listening room and conversations led by LA Phil’s Insight program. Food trucks, a beer garden and surprise giveaways will add to the festival atmosphere, making it a full day of creative exploration and community engagement.
The event will bring together leading figures from the music department’s, past and present, to contribute to one of the most celebrated new-music festivals in the country. For more information and tickets, visit the LA Phil’s event page.