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Leanne Darling
Her unique solo viola compositions use the entire scope of her instrument, mixing more traditional sounds with electric sound effects. Using a sampling/looping device, Darling generates layers of sound from lyrical melodies to driving rhythms and textures simulating a whole room full of musicians. The layers are improvised as well as planned, making each performance distinctive. The style ranges from minimalist to free jazz, blues, Arabic, and ambient music. She recently released her debut CD, Spiral, which is now available on CDBaby.
As a player of Arabic music, she has performed with the Near East Ensemble in New York and Philadelphia. With the Sephardic/Moroccan group the Sultana Ensemble, Darling has performed throughout the country and in Italy. She also performs with and composes for the Near East River Ensemble, an Arabic jazz ensemble based in Brooklyn. Her articles on Arabic String playing have appeared in American String Teacher and Strings magazine, and her arrangement of Arabic themes for string orchestra was published this past spring by Alfred Publishing.
As a composer, Ms. Darling’s work on Toy Box Theatre’s The Landlord earned her the Best Original Music award from the New York Innovative Theater Awards in 2007. She has worked with choreographers Jodie Gates, Ann Robideaux, Sara Baird and Aynsley Vandenbroucke, and theater director Richard Calibahn. Performances include Lincoln Center’s Clark Studio Theater, Joyce Soho, Dance Theater Workshop, the Brooklyn Museum and HERE arts space. Ms. Darling also composes/performs with Storahtelling, a Jewish ritual theater company, presenting original theater and music in synagogues across the country. Leanne has performed as a rock/jazz musician with Slow Six, the Foster Family, Los Tramway Rockers and the New York Symphonic Jazz Orchestra.
Before embracing improvisation, Leanne Darling was a well established classical musician. She holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music. She was a finalist in the ASTA National Solo Competition and a winner of the Durham (NC) Young Artists Competition. Professionally, Darling has held the principal and assistant principal position in the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Missouri Chamber Orchestra, and the Salzburger Kammerphilharmonie.
Awards
2007 New York Innovative Theater Award, best original music in a play
Gear
Viola, amplified viola, Boomerang looper/phrase sampler
Tags
Leanne Darling: The Newest Voice in Experimental World Jazz
Source:
All About Jazz
Violist Leanne Darling celebrates her debut solo CD, Spiral, featuring solo viola and electronics, Arabic jazz ensemble, jazz string trio and jazz quartet. (Brooklyn, NY) Friday, June 6, 2008, 8:00 p.m. Leanne Darling CD release party to be held at the Brooklyn Conservatory Concert Hall at 58 Seventh Ave. (corner of 7th Ave. and Lincoln Pl.), Park Slope, Brooklyn. The show will start at 8:00 p.m. and there is a $10 suggested donation. For more information contact the Conservatory at ...
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Few violists have dared to climb out of the classical box to investigate their instrument in new ways. Leanne Darling's brave and dedicated explorations into improvisation, Arabic music, and composition distinguish her as one of the leaders in her field. -Julie Lyonn Lieberman, Improvising Violinist and Author
Leanne Darling is one of the most promising new talents on the scene of improvised classical and world soundings. Her viola is rich with sound and depth, and her control of many musical idioms gives the listener a great sense of inspiration and culture. I highly recommend her considerable talents, both as a composer/performer and as an authentic and inspiring teacher. -David Darling, Cellist,Grammy Nominated Recording Artist and Teacher
Primary Instrument
Viola
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
Teaches all levels violin and viola, beginning improvisation, blues, jazz and middle eastern music, ages 6- adult. Taught for 17 years. Has taught at Brooklyn Conservatory, Op, 118 Harlem School for Strings, Manatee Community College. Holds degrees from Eastman School of Music and Cleveland Institute of Music. Studied with Julie Lyonn Lieberman and Rob Thomas.
Clinic/Workshop Information
StringPlay String students experience music beyond the written note with this dynamic workshop
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson