Tanglewood Learning Institute

Celebrating their 16th season as “a sonically daring ensemble who specializes in performing new works with charisma and integrity” (BBC Music Magazine), the Akropolis Reed Quintet comprises five reed players and entrepreneurs unbounded by limits or categorization. Described by The Wire as a “collective voice driven by real excitement and a sense of adventure,” Akropolis has graced the Classical Billboard Charts with each of their last three albums, including #2 in April 2024. Winner of seven national chamber music prizes including the 2014 Fischoff Gold Medal, Akropolis is known for performing “works that brilliantly exploit their unique instrumentation” (Gramophone). Composed of the same five members that brought about its founding in 2009, Akropolis delivers 120 concerts and educational events worldwide each year and has premiered and commissioned more than 150 works by living artists and composers.

Alfredo Rodriguez’s ability to “play stories” on the keys allows him to connect with his listeners on a deeply personal level. His albums, including The Invasion Parade, Tocororo, and Duologue reflect his memories of Cuba, his experiences as an immigrant, and his journey of self-discovery through music. He’s been featured by All Things Considered, Downbeat, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Wall Street Journal among many others, and performed for NPR’s Tiny Desk concert. Rodriguez creates an electrifying fusion of Latin, pop, timba, jazz, tango, and funk that will transport you straight to the heart of Havana, and his musical chops will leave you breathless. Don't miss this extraordinary celebration of music, courtesy of Alfredo Rodriguez.

Isaiah J. Thompson is the winner of the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz of the American Pianists Association. Originally from West Orange, New Jersey, the pianist, bandleader, and composer began studying at the Calderone School of Music from an early age. Soon after, Thompson continued his studies with Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens and was later admitted to the Juilliard School graduating with both his Bachelor’s in 2019 and Master’s of Music degrees in 2020. At TLI, Isaiah J. Thompson will present Modern Jazz Ministry premiering his most recent work, a suite entitled The Book of Isaiah. There has always been an intersection of jazz and faith that’s been explored throughout history. From Duke Ellington to Mary Lou Williams to John Coltrane, many musicians have placed spirituality at the core of their music. The Book of Isaiah continues this tradition by channeling faith in God through jazz.

Recently described by the New York Times as “the North Star of her instrument’s ever-expanding universe,” musician, interdisciplinary artist, and educator Claire Chase presents a concert of works from her 24-year commissioning initiative, Density 2036, part of the Density Arts family of programs. Performing selections of new works by composers like Terry Riley, Pauline Oliveros, Anna Thorvalsdottir, Vijay Iyer, Marcos Balter, Sarah Hennies, Suzanne Ferrin, George Lewis, and so many more, Chase is cultivating a new body of repertory for the flute each year until the 100th anniversary of Edgard Varèse’s groundbreaking 1936 flute solo, Density 21.5. In this spirit, Density Arts will commission, produce, and record a new program of flute music every year until 2036.