Joel has been commissioned to write a series of solo string pieces for the 2013 Irving M. Klein International String Competition. Founded in 1985, the Klein Competition is a premier competition for emerging string players. Past winners have included violinists Jennifer Frautschi and Jennifer Koh, and cellist Joshua Roman. Semi-finalists will present Friedman’s commissioned work June 8, 2013.
The Anatomy Of the Musical
Joel offers a unique “insider’s perspective” on the art, craft, and history of the musical. Works include classics such as Show Boat, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Company, and A Chorus Line, with recent musicals like Rent, and Hedwig and The Angry Inch. The various constituent parts – book, score, lyrics, choreography, and direction – are dissected illustrating how they are employed to tell the story, propel the plot, and develop character. If you’ve ever wondered how a musical actually works then this is the course for you.
Revolution: The Music of The Beatles
Joel offers a clear-eyed assessment of The Beatles’ work and career as they developed from a local cover band to arguably some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Seen from the unique perspective of a composer, Joel focuses on the key differentiator that sets the band apart: its creative output. History, analysis, influences, outtakes, technology. It’s all there.
Fallings – Work in Progress
A multi-media chamber music theater piece residing in the realm between opera and musical theater, written in collaboration with librettist Seth Friedman. We are heading back to the Montalvo Arts Center in September 2013 to continue work.
Joel on the Auction Block
Joel recently donated a night of fun and learning about one of the world’s greatest music and pop culture phenomena, The Beatles, to the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation for their 7th annual Simply the Best Gala.
Interview with Frank Oteri
Frank J. Oteri (editor of New Music USA’s New Music Box, well known new music writer, and composer) had the opportunity to speak with Joel about his work, philosophy and life.