Kate Santini ‘27
News Editor
On Sunday, March 29, the Prior Performing Arts Center (PAC) was proud to welcome New York-based ensemble, Ymusic, for a performance and brief residency at the College. Classically trained and named after “Generation Y,” the six-musician ensemble bears an “intimate, innovative, and singular reputation.” With almost twenty years of experience working together, the group is currently in their eighteenth season and has worked with an impressive array of artists including Paul Simon, John Legend, and Sufjan Stevens.
Throughout the performance, ensemble members utilized their instruments, including the violin, trumpet, and vocals, in unconventional ways. At one point, trumpet player CJ Camerier, blew air into the instrument’s mouthpiece rather than playing it in a traditional manner. Alternating between playing instruments as they are intended and in unconventional ways is a trademark of the ensemble. Between pieces, the ensemble admitted that they find inspiration from the “quirky” sounds one another makes in warm-ups and find ways to incorporate them into their pieces.
The ensemble set the tone for the night by opening with “Tessellations,” a racy piece blending melodies from different instruments into a single, cohesive sound. When introducing the ensemble, PAC director, Jeffrey de Caen, described their innovative style as “keeping [your] neurons on alert.” It’s safe to say that they achieved this with their next piece, “Safe Travels,” written by composer Timo Andres who was inspired by their constant travels to and from performance venues. The piece mimics the experience of flying by periodically increasing and decreasing in intensity to simulate sensations of ascent and descent.
The piece that followed, “Together,” had its debut on a Zoom call during the COVID-19 pandemic when the ensemble could not physically practice together. The composition spotlights each individual member and their instrument yet culminates in a singular melody. Its premise is meant to showcase how although each musician is on their own journey, they are still able to come together and share in their creativity.
The ensemble closed with “Music in Circles” and the “Year of the Dog/Year of the Dragon.” Both pieces have slow, eerie beginnings that progress into melodies charged with emotion and dimensionality. The latter piece was adapted from “Enjoy Your Rabbit” (2001), an album by Sufjan Stevens who is known for his contribution to the score of award-winning film, “Call Me By Your Name” (2017). Violinist, Keir Gowilt, had the opportunity to shine in the finale, playing a solo that contributed to an atmosphere of increasing intensity and drama. As with the other compositions, this piece culminated in the musicians playing their instruments in tandem.
The ensemble was grateful to have “such a beautiful way to spend [their] Sunday” and expressed excitement to work with Holy Cross students in the coming week. If you are interested in learning more about the ensemble and their future endeavors, see their website: https://www.ymusicensemble.com/.
Although Ymusic’s residency officially closes out the performing art center’s Spring 2026 season for visiting artists, the PAC will now shift to in-house performances including the Department of Theatre & Dance’s “Curiouser & Curiouser” taking place from April 16 to 26, the Orchestra & College Choir’s Academic Conference Concert on April 22, and the Department of Theatre & Dance’s Spring Concert on April 30. Do not miss the opportunity to support fellow students in their artistic endeavors. Tickets to these events will be available via Ignite.
Featured image courtesy of the Prior Performing Arts Center
Copy Edited by Molly Croft ‘29
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