News:
05/04/13: New work premiering at the Massachusetts Poetry Festival
Mary will premiere a new collaborative work, co-authored with acclaimed poet Sam Cha, during "Poetry and Performance Art: A Cross-Genre Collaboration" at the Massachusetts Poetry Festival. Curated by poet and performance artist Jade Sylvan, the event "will explore the process of inter-genre collaboration and how various types of performance art can be used to carry an audience into an immersive, theatre-like experience of performed poetry".
05/04/13: Poetry and Performance Art: A Cross-Genre Collaboration at the Massachusetts Poetry Festival
WHEN: Saturday, May 4th @ 12:15pm
WHERE: First Universalist Society of Salem (211 Bridge St. 2nd Floor, Salem MA)
TICKETS: Festival buttons cost $15 and can be purchased HERE.
DETAILS: Featuring new collaborative works by Mary Bichner (musician) & Sam Cha (poet), Tony Leva (musician) & jojo lazar (poet), Jade Sylvan (poet) & Edrie (musician), and Krysten Hill (poet) & Maggie Maraschino (dancer).
Hope you can join us! <3
04/28/13: Performance at Andrea Clearfield's Salon
Mary is delighted to return to celebrated American composer Andrea Clearfield's musical salon on Sunday, April 28th. For more information about this wonderful music series, please visit Andrea's website or email Mary. (RSVP-only event.)
In honor of National Poetry Month, Mary will be playing a selection of her Edgar Allan Poe-themed works.
04/28/13: Andrea Clearfield's Salon
WHEN: Sunday, April 28th @ 7:30pm (doors @ 7:00pm)
WHERE: Philadelphia, PA (Full address withheld; RSVP-only event. For more information please email Mary)
TICKETS: $10
Looking forward to this wonderful event!
03/31/13: Video of Beck Song Reader Performance
Here is a video of Mary's musical interpretation / Pamela Passion's dance interpretation of the Beck song "Why Did You Make Me Care?", performed live during the Beck Song Reader concert on February 28th, 2013 at the Somerville Theatre:
Dance solo choreographed and performed by the amazing Pamela Passion. Music performed by the following exquisite string quartet: Abby Swidler (violin), Christopher McClain (viola), Jonah Sacks (cello) and Nick Dinnerstein (cello). Musical arrangement and vocal performance by Mary Bichner.
Hope you enjoy! <3
Beck Song Reader Concert -Thursday, February 28th at the Somerville Theatre
Mary looks forward to performing February 28th at the Somerville Theatre for Burns and Webb's Beck Song Reader concert! She will be joined by Nick Dinnerstein and Christopher McClain of Triple Strung, as well as special guests violinist Abby Swidler and cellist Jonah Sacks, to perform her arrangement of Beck's "Why Did You Make Me Care" (Here is a YouTube preview).
The concert will feature more than 150 of Boston's finest musicians, dancers and artists; and has already received press from the Boston Globe, Dig Weekly, and even a Facebook post from Beck himself.
Here are the concert details!:
BECK'S SONG READER CONCERT AT THE SOMERVILLE THEATRE
WHEN:Thursday, February 28th at 8:00pm (doors at 7:30)
WHERE: Somerville Theatre (55 David Square, Somerville MA).
TICKETS: $25 (*BUY TICKETS*)
DETAILS: Join over 150 of Boston's finest musicians & dancers as they bring Beck's new sheet-music-only "Song Reader" album to life at the historic Somerville Theatre. (Check out the full collaborator list HERE -- it's amazing!! :)) Mary will be performing her arrangement of the Beck tune, "Why Did You Make Me Care?", alongside Nick Dinnerstein and Christopher McClain of the incredible Triple Strung Trio, and very special guests violinist Abby Swidler and cellist Jonah Sacks. Produced by Brendan Burns and UnAmerika's Sweetheart Karin Webb.
Looking forward to the show!
02/19/13: New Youtube cover song: Animal Collective's "Mercury Man" arranged for vocalist and double-viola string quartet; Beck Song Reader Concert February 28th
Mary Bichner continues her YouTube cover song series with a double-viola-string-quartet-and-vocals arranegment of the Animal Collective piece, "Mercury Man":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1cdPHmF6WE
Unlike the typical string quartet line-up (2 violins/1 viola/1 cello), the piece was arranged for double-viola string quartet (1 violin/2 violas/1 cello), creating a rich, warm musical palette with unique low harmonies not possible in a typical quartet.
Performed by Mary Bichner (vocals), the amazing Triple Strung Trio (Yu-Wen Chen: violin, Christopher McClain: viola, Nick Dinnerstein: cello, www.triplestrung.com) and exquisite guest violist Michelle Rahn. Arranged by Mary Bichner. Audio recorded, mixed and mastered by the impeccable Ariel Bernstein.
And don't forget -- Mary looks forward to performing February 28th at the Somerville Theatre for Burns and Webb's Beck Song Reader concert! She will be joined by Nick Dinnerstein and Christopher McClain of Triple Strung, as well as special guests violinist Abby Swidler and cellist Jonah Sacks, to perform her arrangement of Beck's "Why Did You Make Me Care" (Here is a YouTube preview).
And here are the concert details!:
BECK'S SONG READER CONCERT AT THE SOMERVILLE THEATRE
WHEN:Thursday, February 28th at 8:00pm (doors at 7:30)
WHERE: Somerville Theatre (55 David Square, Somerville MA).
TICKETS: $25 (*BUY TICKETS*)
DETAILS: Join over 150 of Boston's finest musicians & dancers as they bring Beck's new sheet-music-only "Song Reader" album to life at the historic Somerville Theatre. (Check out the full collaborator list HERE -- it's amazing!! :)) Mary will be performing her arrangement of the Beck tune, "Why Did You Make Me Care?", alongside Nick Dinnerstein and Christopher McClain of the incredible Triple Strung Trio, and very special guests violinist Abby Swidler and cellist Jonah Sacks. Produced by Brendan Burns and UnAmerika's Sweetheart Karin Webb.
Hooray! :o)
02/10/13: Next Performance - Lunar Labyrinth at Club Oberon this Wendesday, February 13th
This Wednesday, February 13th, Mary is thrilled to be making an appearance at Lunar Labyrinth a multi-disciplinary multidisciplinary theatrical feast of music, story, puppetry, poetry, dance, and aerial performance based on an unpublished short story by acclaimed author Neil Gaiman. The show is being produced by Liars and Believers, directed by Steven Bogart, an will feature a host of Boston's most exciting artists.
During her appearance in the show, Mary will premiere a new aria for soloist and chorus, "Lux aeterna", as well as provide incidental music for several additional scenes.
PLEASE NOTE: Although online tickets have sold out for this show, there will be a VERY limited number of tickets available at the Oberon box office the night of the performance, starting at 7pm. If you are still in need of tickets, arriving early is strongly encouraged!
Here are the details!:
WHEN: Wednesday, February 13th @ 8:00pm (doors @ 7:30pm)
WHERE: Club Oberon (2 Arrow Street, Cambridge MA)
TICKETS: $23-$28 (21+ w/ ID)
PERFORMERS: Mali Sastri, Philip Berman, Mary Bichner, Brett Cramp, Claire Davies, Jennifer Hicks, John J. King, Eileen Little, Corianna Moffat, Masha Obolensky, April Ranger, and Karin Webb. Presented by Liars and Believers, directed by Steven Bogart.
Thanks and see you at the Labyrinth! :o)
01/31/13: Mary's Rendition of Beck's "Why Did You Make Me Care" on YouTube
The backstory: late last year, alt-rock composer Beck Hansen released his latest album, Song Reader, as sheet music only. He then encouraged musicians around the globe to create and share their versions of each tune.
So! Here is Mary's version of Beck's "Why Did You Make Me Care", complete with double-viola string quartet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEfkWyxdICs
Mary's version of the piece is styled to resemble an operatic tenor aria; and, unlike the typical string quartet line-up (2 violins/1 viola/1 cello), was arranged for double-viola string quartet (1 violin/2 violas/1 cello), creating a rich, warm musical palette with unique low harmonies not possible in a typical quartet.
Performed by Mary Bichner (vocals), the amazing Triple Strung Trio (Yu-Wen Chen: violin, Christopher McClain: viola, Nick Dinnerstein: cello, www.triplestrung.com) and exquisite guest violist Michelle Rahn. Arranged by Mary Bichner. Audio recorded, mixed and mastered by the impeccable Ariel Bernstein.
Thanks for reading, and hope to see you at Mary's performances in February -- Feb 13th at Oberon for "Lunar Labyrinth", a night of theatre based on an unpublished Neil Gaiman story (Mary will be composing and performing an aria for the occasion); and Feb 28th at the Somerville Theatre for Burns and Webb's Beck Song Reader concert (Mary and Triple Strung will be performing her "Why Did You Make Me Care" arrangement!). More info for both shows can be had by clicking on the "performances" link in the menu on the bottom of the page.
Thanks and hope you enjoy!
01/24/13: 2013 Concert Season Announced
Mary is delighted to announce her performances and appearances for the first half of 2013! (For complete info on each show, please click on the "performances" link on the menu bar at the bottom of the page.)
On February 13th at Cambridge's Club Oberon, Mary will be performing a new aria and composing several pieces of incidental music for Lunar Labyrinth, a new theatre piece based on an unpublished Neil Gaiman story. Fellow collaborators include Mali Sastri, Phillip Berman, Brett Cramp, Claire Davies, Jennifer Hicks, John J. King, Eileen Little, Corianna Moffat, Masha Obolensky, April Ranger, Karin Webb, director Steven Bogart, and producers Liars and Believers.
On February 28th at the historic Somerville Theatre, Mary will perform alongside the illustrious Triple Strung Trio during Brendan Burns' and Karin Webb's Beck Song Reader Concert, interpreting the sheet-music-only Beck piece, "Why Did You Make Me Care?". The evening will also feature performances by more than 150 of Boston's finest dancers and musicians, listed HERE.
On April 28th in Philadelphia PA, Mary is honored to return to celebrated American composer Andrea Clearfield's musical salon, now in its 26th season.
Mary is also thrilled to make an appearance during the Massachusetts Poetry Festival, occuring May 3rd through May 5th in Salem, Massachusetts. (More details about this appearance will be announced shortly.)
Thanks and hope to see you there! :)
01/10/13: Welcome to the new marybichner.com!
The website was designed by the amazing Julie Miller, with coding by Christopher Heylin, photography by Meredith Nierman, and hair/make-up by Maya Landi.
To celebrate the new site, Mary looks forward to performing at Cambridge’s beautiful Gallery 263 on Sunday, January 13th at 8:00pm (doors at 7:30pm).
Mary will be presenting a 45-minute set of original works; including pieces in both pop and classical styles. She’ll be joined by the exquisite classical string trio Triple Strung ( Yu-Wen Chen [violin], Chris McClain [viola], and Nick Dinnestein [cello]), as well as special guest Amanda Wang on viola, for some very beautiful and unique 1 violin/2 viola/1 cello quartet arrangements!
The concert will also feature collaborations and performances by some of Boston’s most amazing multidisciplinary aritsts: a completely
improvised music-and-movement piece with the incomparable UnAmerika’s Sweetheart Karin Webb; a musical setting of supreme spookster, poet and performer Amy Macabre’s “And They Did Not Die”, narrated live by the author; and even a special appearance and recitation by Edgar Allan Poe himself (portrayed by literary historian Rob Velella).
Triple Strung will start off the evening with a 20-minute set of classical trio works, and will join Mary during her set after a brief intermission.
Here are the details!:
WHEN: Sunday, January 13th @ 8:00pm (doors @ 7:30)
WHERE: Gallery 263 (263 Pearl Street, Cambridge MA)
TICKETS: $10.00 (all ages, available at the door)
PERFORMERS: Triple Strung (8:00pm); Mary Bichner + Triple Strung and special guests Amanda Wang, UnAmerika’s Sweetheart Karin Webb, Amy Macabre, and Rob Velella (8:35pm)
Hope to see you there!
BIOGRAPHY
Mary Bichner is an eclectic classipop composer with the bizarre musical superpowers of perfect pitch (the ability to recognize notes and chords by name upon hearing them played) and synesthesia (a neurological condition that causes Mary to “see” splashes of specific colors when she hears their corresponding pitches sounded). Called a "musical genius" by CBS News, and invited to Harvard University's prestigious neuroscience lab to be studied for her brain's unusual wiring, Mary creates richly-colored compositions that delight classical enthusiasts and indie-pop rockers alike.
Noted works include "To Helen", an aria setting of the celebrated Edgar Allan Poe poem for alto soloist and piano; "Leave the Earth Behind", a classical-meets-pop album featuring eleven art songs -- each written in a different sub-genre of pop -- for alto soloist, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, harpsichord, bass guitar, drum kit, string orchestra, flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, and bassoon; and "Alice's Evidence", a suite of incidental music penned to accompany the dramatic reading of Chapter 12 of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland for alto soloist, harpsichord, flute, violin, clarinet, cello and narration.
Noted performances and appearances include: MTV Unplugged (conducting the Vitamin String Quartet for 30 Seconds to Mars), The Philadelphia Museum of Art (Art After 5 Series), Boston's Club Oberon (ORG, Bent-Wit Cabaret), NYC's Galapagos Art Space (TALE), The Somerville Theatre (Dream Within a Dream: The Edgar Allan Poe Tour), acclaimed American composer Andrea Clearfield's musical salon, Boston's Davis Square Theatre (Encyclopedia Show), and Boston's Mount Auburn Cemetery (A Visit With Edgar Allan Poe).
In addition to creating her own compositions, Mary has arranged more the 25 pieces for the renowned L.A.-based Vitamin String Quartet, co-arranged 4 string quartet arrangements for 30 Seconds to Mars as part of their MTV Unplugged appearance, and composed lush orchestral accompaniments for a number of indie pop acts including Jaggery, Foolish Ida, and Grammy-award winning songwriter Scot Sax. She has also composed and arranged a number of film scores, musical theatre works and classical works on commission, all which can be found on her C.V. page.
From 2003-2012, Mary served as composer and lead singer for the classical-meets-pop ensemble Box Five. Further information on Box Five's history and recordings can be found here.
2013 brings new commissions, new concerts, and new collaborations — please stay tuned!
AUDIO SAMPLES
For full versions of any of the following songs,
or for additional pieces and examples, feel free to email Mary.
CLASSICAL AND CLASSICAL CROSSOVER
LIST OF WORKS
Here is a list of selected works from Mary’s composing catalog.
For a complete list of works, please email Mary.
Search:
| Year | Title/Key | Instrumentation & Movements | Genre | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 td> | "Lux aeterna" [Em] |
VOICES: mezzo soloists, alto soloist, SATB choir INSTRUMENTS: harpsichord |
classical | Commissioned by Liars and Believers for the interactive theatre piece Lunar Labyrinth, based on an unpublished short story by Neil Gaiman. Premiered at A.R.T.'s Oberon on February 13, 2013. |
| 2012 | "Valentine II" [Abm] | VOICES: narrator (spoken) INSTRUMENTS: piano |
classical | Incidental music for the "Valentine" poem written by Virginia Poe to her husband, Edgar. Premiered during literary historian Rob Velella's "A Visit With Edgar Allan Poe" at Mount Auburn Cemetery on October 27th, 2012. |
| 2012 | "Valentine I" [F] | VOICES: narrator (spoken) INSTRUMENTS: piano |
classical | Incidental music for the Edgar Allan Poe poem, "A Valentine". Premiering during literary historian Rob Velella's "A Visit With Edgar Allan Poe" at Mount Auburn Cemetery on October 27th, 2012 |
| 2012 | "City in the Sea" [Am] | VOICES: narrator (spoken) INSTRUMENTS: piano, cello |
classical | Incidental music for the Edgar Allan Poe poem, "City in the Sea". Premiering during literary historian Rob Velella's "A Visit With Edgar Allan Poe" at Mount Auburn Cemetery on October 27th, 2012 |
| 2012 | "Throw Stones" [E] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano, string quartet |
pop, pop / classical crossover | |
| 2011 | "To Helen" [Eb] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano |
classical, pop / classical crossover | Aria setting for the Edgar Allan Poe poem, "To Helen". Premiered at the Somerville Theatre on October 5th, 2011. |
| 2011 | "The Spectacles" [Fm] | VOICES: Narrator (spoken), Talbot (spoken), Young Madame Lalande (spoken), Old Madame Lalande (spoken) INSTRUMENTS: harpsichord, piano, violin, cello, double bass, drums MOVEMENTS: "1. Love at First Sight" [Fm], "2. The Opera" [G]", "3. Talbot Missing" [Fm], "4. Love Letter and Meeting" [C], "5. Talbot Returns" [Fm], "6. Wedding March and Hits" [C], "7. Conclusion" [Fm] |
classical, pop / classical crossover | Incidental music for an abridged version of Edgar Allan Poe's short story, The Spectacles. (Original story abridged and edited by Rob Velella.) Premiered at the Somerville Theatre on October 5th, 2011. |
| 2011 | "Virginia's Waltz" | VOICES: Virginia (spoken) INSTRUMENTS: piano |
classical, pop / classical crossover | Instrumental piece featuring an accompanying monologue written by Karin Webb. Premiered at the Somerville Theatre on October 5th, 2011. |
| 2011 | "From Now On" [Cm] | VOICES: alto solo (lead), two alto backing vocalists INSTRUMENTS: piano, cello |
classical, pop / classical crossover | Composed for the film Just Desserts, starring Caroline Amiguet. |
| 2010 | "The End" [A] | VOICES: alto solo INSTRUMENTS: acoustic guitar, cello |
indie pop, ballad | Composed for the film Just Desserts, starring Caroline Amiguet. (Unused in film.) |
| 2010 | "Chapter 12: Alice's Evidence" [Gm] | VOICES: aria soloist (alto), Narrator (spoken), Alice (spoken), The Red Queen (spoken), The Red King (spoken), The White Rabbit (spoken), the Knave of Hearts (spoken) INSTRUMENTS: harpsichord, violin, cello, flute, clarinet MOVEMENTS: "1. The Trial, Part I" [Gm], "2. The Trial, Part II" [Gm]", "3. Aria: 'They Told Me You Had Been to Her'" [C#m], "4. Nothing But a Pack of Cards" [Gm] |
classical, pop / classical crossover | Incidental music and aria for Chapter 12 of Lewis Carroll's classic novel, Alice in Wonderland. Commissioned by Brian King of What Time is it Mr. Fox? and premiered at Galapagos Art Space on June 17th, 2010. |
| 2008 | "Scylla and Charibdys" [A] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, violin ensemble, viola ensemble, bass guitar, drums. |
pop, pop / classical crossover | Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. (Bass on recording arranged by Brian Hopely, drums on recording arranged by Chris Pires.) Part of the "Song a Day" Project, in which Mary wrote one song each day for the month of December 2008. |
| 2008 | "Unpredictable" [A] | VOICES: alto solo INSTRUMENTS: acoustic guitar |
pop | Part of the "Song a Day" Project, in which Mary wrote one song each day for the month of December 2008. |
| 2008 | "My Hands Gave Way" [C#m] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano |
pop / classical crossover | Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. Part of the "Song a Day" Project, in which Mary wrote one song each day for the month of December 2008. |
| 2008 | "Today is the Day" [Dm] | VOICES alto soloist, 2 alto backing vocalists INSTRUMENTS: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, bass guitar, drums. |
pop | Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. (Bass on recording arranged by Brian Hopely, drums on recording arranged by Chris Pires, piano on recording arranged by Joseph Gribbin, electric guitar accents on recording arranged by Joseph Bichner.) Part of the "Song a Day" Project, in which Mary wrote one song each day for the month of December 2008. Acoustic version included in the 2009 "Sponsored Songs" project powered by Reverbnation and Microsoft Windows. |
| 2006 | "Hymn to Diana" [Eb] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano |
classical | Aria setting for the Edgar Ben Jonson poem, "Hymn to Diana". Commissioned by Pieris Music (formerly Arts in Motion) for their "Provocateur" concert. Premiered at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on September 1, 2006. |
| 2006 | "Melancholy Soul" [E] |
VOICES: alto soloist, 2 alto backing vocalists INSTRUMENTS: electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, glockenspiel, bass, drums, handclaps. |
pop | Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. Bass on recording arranged by Brian Hopely, drums on recording arranged by Chris Pires. |
| 2006 | "How Should I Your True Love Know" [E] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) violin soloist, viola soloist |
classical | Aria setting for selected text from Shakespeare's "Hamlet". Commissioned by Pieris Music (formerly Arts in Motion) for their 2006 Spring Concert. Premiered as an alto/piano/string quartet arrangement at the Trinity Center for Urban Life on April 21, 2006. Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. |
| 2005-2006 | "Exanimi" [Eb] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello). |
pop / classical crossover | |
| 2005-2006 | "Say" [Bm] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello). |
classical, pop / classical crossover | |
| 2005 | "Set Me Straight" [Em] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: acoustic guitar, string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), glockenspiel, bass guitar, drums. |
pop, pop / classical crossover | Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. Bass on recording arranged by Brian Hopely, drums on recording arranged by Chris Pires. |
| 2005 | "Heart" [Bm] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano, violin, viola, cello |
pop / classical crossover | |
| 2004 | "Aqua Toffana" [C] | VOICES: alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: acoustic guitar |
pop | Ballad sung from the point of view of W.A. Mozart, convinced that his life was nearing an end due to being poisoned. Featured on the Box Five EP, fen [2006]. Covered by Andrew Lipke on his EP, Second Hand Songs [2011]. |
| 2003-2004 | "Microscopic" [Eb] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano, harpsichord, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), bass guitar, drums. |
pop / classical crossover | "Math rock" aria that can be counted in either 4/4 or 5/4, built on a series of number patterns (details coming soon!). Featured in E major as a vocal/piano/guitar/bass/drum piece on the Box Five EP, Exercises in Modern Pop [2005]. (Guitar on recording arranged by Joseph Bichner, drums on recording arranged by Doug Holton). Featured in full score on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. (Drums on recording arranged by Chris Pires.) |
| 2003-2004 | "Thinking Out Loud" [F] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: electric guitar, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), violin soloist, bass guitar, drums. |
pop, pop / classical crossover | Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. (Bass on recording arranged by Brian Hopely, drums on recording arranged by Chris Pires.) |
| 2003 | "Still Mine" [B] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, 2 French horns, electronic beats. |
pop / classical crossover | Featured on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. (Electronic beats on recording co-arranged by Ben Camp and Mary Bichner.) |
| 2003 | "Ceasefire" [C#m] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), violin soloist. |
pop / classical crossover | Featured as a vocal-and-piano-only piece on the Box Five EP, fen [2006]. Featured in full score on the Box Five album, Leave the Earth Behind [2010]. |
| 2003 | "Killjoy" [Ab] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: acoustic guitar, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), bass guitar, drums. |
pop, pop/classical crossover | |
| 2003 | "Nice Boy / Blow My Cover" [D] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, bass guitar, drums. |
pop | Featured on the Box Five EP, Exercises in Modern Pop [2005]. (Bass on recording arranged by Brian Hopely, drums on recording arranged Doug Holton.) The track was aired several times on Philadelphia's NPR station, WXPN, and was also WXPN's "Pick of the Day for -January 7th, 2008 and April 3rd, 2008. |
| 2002 | "Allright" [A] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: electric guitar, bass guitar, drums. |
pop | Featured on the Box Five EP, Exercises in Modern Pop [2005]. (Bass on recording arranged by Brian Hopely, drums on recording arranged Doug Holton.) |
| 2002 | "(No Title)" [Cm] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano |
pop / classical crossover | Featured on the Box Five EP, Exercises in Modern Pop [2005]. |
| 2002 | "Snow Hymn" [C] | VOICES alto soloist INSTRUMENTS: piano, string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) |
pop / classical crossover | Featured as a vocal-and-piano-only piece on on the Box Five EP, Exercises in Modern Pop [2005]. |
PERFOMANCES
05/04/13: Poetry and Performance Art: A Cross-Genre Collaboration at the Massachusetts Poetry Festival
WHEN: Saturday, May 4th @ 12:15pm
WHERE: First Universalist Society of Salem (211 Bridge St. 2nd Floor, Salem MA)
TICKETS: Festival buttons cost $15 and can be purchased HERE.
DETAILS: This performance will explore the process of inter-genre collaboration and how various types of performance art can be used to carry an audience into an immersive, theatre-like experience of performed poetry. Featuring new collaborative works by Mary Bichner (musician) & Sam Cha (poet), Tony Leva (musician) & jojo lazar (poet), Jade Sylvan (poet) & Edrie (musician), and Krysten Hill (poet) & Maggie Maraschino (dancer).
VIDEOS
Conducting the Vitamin String Quartet during 30 Seconds to Mars’ MTV Unplugged concert:
Interview with CBS News:
Film score reel:
CV
Below are a list of the compositions, arrangements and transcriptions that Mary has completed on commission.
Search:
| Year | Client | Commision | Instrumentation | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Occasional Brass and Strings | Arrangement of "Tour of the Kingdom" (instrumental piece from Disney's The Little Mermaid soundtrack by Alan Menken) for string trio and trumpet. | violin, viola, cello, trumpet | Classical, Wedding Music |
| 2012 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of "Raggle Taggle Gypsy" (Traditional) for Irish musical trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2012 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of "Raggle Taggle Gypsy" (Traditional) for Irish musical trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011-2012 | Vitamin Records | String quartet arrangements of eleven alt-rock songs for the Vitamin String Quartet. (Titles to be provided once album is released.) |
violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Pop, Classical, Classical / Pop Crossover |
| 2011-2012 | Sean Abley, playwright and filmmaker | Arrangement of 9 pieces for Sean Abley's forthcoming musical revue. (Song titles to be released once revue is premiered.) | VOICES: soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass INSTRUMENTS: piano, bass drums |
Musical Theatre, A Capella, Operetta |
| 2011 | Vitamin Records on behalf of 30 Seconds to Mars | Arrangement of string quartet accompaniment for "Alibi" by electro-rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, for their Church of Mars concert series (Dec 8 & 9 at St. Peter's Church in New York, NY). | violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Rock, Pop, Electro Rock, Indie Rock, Rock / Classical Fusion |
| 2011 | Vitamin Records on behalf of 30 Seconds to Mars | By-ear transcription of Wataru Hokoyama's string accompaniment for "Modern Myth" by electro-rock band 30 Seconds to Mars, for their Church of Mars concert series (Dec 8 & 9 at St. Peter's Church in New York, NY). | violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Rock, Pop, Electro Rock, Indie Rock, Rock / Classical Fusion |
| 2011 | Celticity | Co-arrangement with Dan Liparini of "Wayfaring Stranger" (Traditional) for Irish musical trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute, and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of "I Saw Three Ships" (Traditional) for Irish musical trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute, and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011 | Vitamin Records | String quartet arrangements of five classic pop songs for the Vitamin String Quartet. (Titles to be provided once permission is received.) | violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Pop, Classical, Classical / Pop Crossover |
| 2011 | Surflight Theater | Original music for six new songs from the John Anker Bow musical, Snow White: "Wishing Well Song" [F], "Heigh-Ho" [D], "Welcome" [key TBA], "In My Dreams (Snow White's Version)" [Eb], "Snow White is Dead" [Bb] and "In My Dreams [Prince's Version)" [Eb]. Book and lyrics by John Anker Bow. | VOICES: Snow White (soprano), Prince (tenor), Dwarves (tenor/baritone chorus) INSTRUMENTS: piano |
Children's Music, Musical Theatre, Operetta |
| 2011 | Vitamin Records | String quartet arrangements of seven pop hits for the Vitamin String Quartet. (Titles to be provided once album is released.) | violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Pop, Classical, Classical / Pop Crossover |
| 2011 | Esthema | By-ear transcription of the composition "Consequence", written by Andy Milas of Middle Eastern/jazz fusion ensemble Esthema. | guitar, bass, drums, violin, bouzouki | World music, Middle Eastern / jazz fusion |
| 2011 | Vitamin Records on behalf of 30 Seconds to Mars | Arrangement of string quartet accompaniments for four pieces by the electro-rock band 30 Seconds to Mars ("Closer to the Edge", "Hurricane", "Kings and Queens" and "Night of the Hunter"). Remixed by 30 Seconds to Mars and performed by the Vitamin String Quartet during 30STM's appearance on MTV Unplugged. (Watch the entire concert online via this link.) | violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Rock, Pop, Electro Rock, Indie Rock, Rock / Classical Fusiontd> |
| 2011 | David Stern, composer | Copyist for David Stern's piano arrangemnet of the Stephen Sondheim piece, "Send in the Clowns". | piano | Musical Theatre, Classical, Copyist |
| 2011 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of John Doan's "Farewell" for Irish musical trio Celticity. | flute and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011 | Surflight Theater | Original music for seven new songs from the John Anker Bow musical, Cinderella: "Jealousy" [Am], "An Imperial Decree" [C], "When You Wish Within a Dream" [B], "When You Wish WIthin a Dream (Reprise)" [B], "Believe in Magic" [F], "It's a Waltz" [D], and "Believe in Magic (Reprise)" [F]. Book and lyrics by John Anker Bow. | VOICES: Cinderella (soprano), Cyrilla (alto), Amaryllis (alto), Fairy Godmother (alto), Prince Charming (tenor), Harold the Herald (baritone) INSTRUMENTS: piano |
Children's Music, Musical Theatre, Operetta |
| 2011 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of "Down by the Sally Gardens" (Traditional) for Irish musical trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute, and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of "Farewell" (Doan) for Irish musical trio Celticity. Based on John Doan's original arrangement. | flute and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011 | Esthema | By-ear transcription of the composition "Distance", written by Andy Milas of Middle Eastern/jazz fusion ensemble Esthema. | guitar, bass, drums, violin, bouzouki | World music, Middle Eastern / jazz fusion |
| 2011 | Surflight Theater | By-ear transcriptions for six original songs from the John Anker Bow musical, Little Red Ridinghood: "Living in the Wood", "Mother's Song", "How Do You Do", "The Piggy Softshoe", "Open Doors" and "Here Comes the Mail". (Fully-arranged versions of the songs to follow at a later date.) | vocal solos for the various characters (Little Red, Granny, Mother, the Postman, the Piggies and the Wolf), piano | Children's Music, Musical Theatre |
| 2011 | Esthema | By-ear transcription of the composition "On and On", written by Andy Milas of Middle Eastern/jazz fusion ensemble Esthema. | guitar, bass, drums, violin, oud | World music, Middle Eastern / jazz fusion |
| 2011 | Vitamin Records | String quartet arrangements of three pop hits for the Vitamin String Quartet. (Titles to be provided once album is released.) | violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Pop, Classical, Classical/Pop Crossover |
| 2011 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of "Whiskey in the Jar" (Traditional) for Irish musical trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute, classical guitar and tambourine | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011 | Vitamin Records | String quartet arrangement of a to-be-announced pop song, for an upcoming VSQ release. (Titles to be provided once album is released.) | violin I, violin II, viola, cello | Pop, Classical, Classical/Pop Crossover |
| 2011 | Celticity | Celtic chamber musical arrangement of "The Star of Country Down" (Traditional) for Irish musical trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute, and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2011 | Esthema | By-ear transcription of the composition "Eastern Dance", written by Andy Milas of Middle Eastern/jazz fusion ensemble Esthema. | guitar, bass, drums, violin, bouzouki | World music, Middle Eastern / jazz fusion |
| 2011 | Matt Siverston | Composition and arrangement of four original pieces ("Cooking", "The Decision", "La Vie est Belle" [lyrics by Caroline Amiguet] and "From Now On") as well as the use of three previously-composed works ("Thinking Out Loud", "Today is the Day" and "Still Mine"), for the short film Just Desserts. | "Cooking": acoustic guitar, glockenspiel, piano "The Decision": acoustic guitar, glockenspiel "La Vie est Belle": piano, upright bass, drums, alto soloist "From Now On": piano, cello, alt soloist |
Film Score, Indie Pop |
| 2010 | Esthema | By-ear transcription of the composition "Apart From the Rest", written by Andy Milas of Middle Eastern/jazz fusion ensemble Esthema. | guitar, bass, drums, violin, oud | World music, Middle Eastern / jazz fusion |
| 2010 | Celticity | Celtic chamber music arrangements of "Hallelujah" (L. Cohen), "The Parting Glass" (Traditional), "Oh My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose" (Traditional), "The Last Rose of Summer" (Traditional), "What Child is This?" (Traditional), "Sans Day Carol" (Traditional), "There Was a Pig Went Out to Dig" (Traditional), "O Holy Night (A. Adam) and "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" (F. Mendelssohn) for Irish music trio Celticity. | soprano soloist, flute, and classical guitar | Celtic Music, Irish Music, World Music, Chamber Music, Classical |
| 2010 | Surflight Theater | By-ear transcriptions for 19 pieces of incidental music from the John Anker Bow children's musical, Little Red Ridinghood: Overture, "Living in the Wood Tag", "Presley's Entrance", "Prissy's Entrance", "Parker's Entrance", "Wolf's Entrance", "Wolf Tag", "Granny's Entrance", "Mother's Song Playoff", "Butcher's Entrance", "Baker's Entrance", "Candlestick Maker's Entrance", "Softshoe Playoff", "The Nightgown Ballet", "The Better to Eat You With", "Granny's Coming Out", and "Bows and Bow Tag". | Various combinations of flute, piccolo, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, piano, pipe organ, accordion, glockenspiel, timpani, and drum kit. | Children's Music, Musical Theatre |
| 2010 | What Time is it Mr. Fox | Composition and arrangement of incidental music for Chapter 12 of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, including the embedded aria "They Told Me You Had Been to Her" (text by Lewis Carroll). Commissioned by Brian King of What Time is it Mr. Fox for the ensemble's fairytale-themed showcase, TALE. | VOICES: aria soloist (alto), Narrator (spoken), Alice (spoken), The Red Queen (spoken), The Red King (spoken), The White Rabbit (spoken), the Knave of Hearts (spoken) INSTRUMENTS: harpsichord, violin, cello, flute, clarinet |
Classical |
| 2010 | Audix Ensemble |
By-ear transcriptions of One Republic's "Goodbye Apathy", Melanie Fiona's "Monday Morning", and Queen Latifah's "I'm Gonna Live 'til I Die" for classical crossover ensemble Audix. | oboe, bass clarinet, English horn, piano, violin, cello | Pop, Jazz, Classical/Pop Crossover, Classical/Jazz Crossover |
| 2010 | SKY CASE | String orchestra arrangement to accompany the indie pop ballad "Moon Song" by SKY CASE | string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello, double-bass) | Indie Pop, Orchestral |
| 2010 | SongLife Artists | String quartet arrangement to accompany the acoustic indie rock song "In This Trench" by GoldenCarr. | string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) | Indie Rock, Acoustic Rock |
| 2010 | SongLife Artists | String quartet arrangement to accompany the pop/soul ballad "As You Make Me Out to Be" by Scot Sax. | string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) | Pop/Rock, Pop/Soul, Pop/Blues |
| 2010 | Jaggery | Orchestral arrangement to accompany the chamber pop song "Hostage Heart" by Jaggery. | flute, oboe, clarinet, 2 french horns, glockenspiel, string ensemble (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) | Chamber Pop, Orchestral, Classical/Pop Crossover |
| 2010 | SKY CASE | String quartet arrangement to accompany the indie pop ballad "Not Myself" by SKY CASE | string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) | Indie Pop, Chamber Pop |
| 2010 | SKY CASE | String orchestra arrangement to accompany the indie pop ballad "Am I Really That Bad of a Guy" by SKY CASE | string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello, double-bass), violin soloist | Indie Pop, Chamber Pop, Pop/Classical Crossover |
| 2010 | SKY CASE | String orchestra arrangement to accompany the indie pop ballad "How to Be Happy" by SKY CASE | string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello, double-bass) | Indie Pop, Chamber Pop |
| 2009 | Colleen Campbell | Orchestral arrangement of "The Christening", opening piece to Colleen Campbell's original musical Never After. | VOICES: Dorquest (soprano), Courtiers (3 mezzo-soprani), Frumbrella (mezzo-soprano), Insipia (mezzo-soprano), Geneveive (mezzo-soprano), Hexasper (alto), Clergyman (tenor), Jenner (baritone), Servants (2 tenors, 1 baritone). INSTRUMENTS: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, timpani, glockenspiel, harp, harpsichord, organ, string ensemble (violin I, violin II, viola, cello). |
Musical Theatre, Orchestral, Classical, Operetta |
| 2009 | Colleen Campbell | Orchestral arrangement of "I Kissed a Miss" for Colleen Campbell's original musical, Never After. | VOICES: Les (alto), Somnia (alto) INSTRUMENTS: flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, timpani, glockenspiel, harp, violin soloist, string ensemble (violin I, violin II, viola, cello). |
Musical Theatre, Orchestral |
| 2009 | Colleen Campbell | Orchestral arrangement of "I Kissed a Miss (Reprise)" for Colleen Campbell's original musical, Never After. | VOICES: Les (alto) INSTRUMENTS: French horn, trumpet, trombone, timpani, snare drum, harp, string ensemble (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) |
Musical Theatre, Orchestral |
| 2009 | Colleen Campbell | Orchestral arrangement of "Happily Ever After", grand finale of Colleen Campbell's original musical, Never After. | VOICES: Fairies (1 soprano, 2 mezzo-soprani), Courtiers (3 mezzo-soprani), Genevieve (mezzo-soprano), Mathilde (mezzo-soprano), Somnia (alto) Abeline (alto), Les (alto), Clergyman (tenor), Robinson (tenor), the Very Merry Men (4 tenors, 4 baritones, 2 bassi), Servants (2 tenors, 1 baritone), Jenner (baritone), Matthew (bass). INSTRUMENTS: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, timpani, glockenspiel, harp, harpsichord, string ensemble (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) |
Musical Theatre, Orchestral, Classical, Operetta |
| 2009 | Co-write with Ben Camp for Pocket Full of Tales | Composition and arrangement of "There's Nothing in the World Like Home", grand finale to PFoT's production of Peter Pan. Co-written with Ben Camp. | children's chorus (unison), guitar, piano, bass, drums | Children's Music, Musical Theatre |
| 2009 | Co-write with Ben Camp for Pocket Full of Tales | Composition and arrangement of "Let Me Show You How It's Done", for PFoT's original musical The Wizard's Crystal. Co-written with Ben Camp. | Sorceress Balderdash (alto), piano, guitar, bass, drums | Children's Music, Musical Theatre |
| 2009 | Co-write with Ben Camp for Pocket Full of Tales | Composition and arrangement of "We're Bored", opening number for PFoT's musical version Coraline. Co-written with Ben Camp. | children's chorus (unison), piano, guitar, bass, drums | Children's Music, Musical Theatre |
| 2009 | GEM CLUB | String quartet arrangement to accompany the chamber pop song "Hey Dinosaur" by GEM CLUB. Co-arranged with Christopher Barnes of GEM CLUB. | string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) | Chamber Pop, Indie Pop |
| 2009 | Marlena Merrin | A cappella arrangement of the song "Ivy League" from Marlena Merrin's original musical, College/Bound. | 1 alto, 2 tenors, 1 bass | Musical Theatre, A Capella, Barbershop Quartet |
| 2008 | Jaggery | String quartet arrangement to accompany the chamber pop song "Lady Grey" by Jaggery. | string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) | Chamber Pop, Siren Rock |
| 2008 | Jaggery | String quartet arrangement to accompany the chamber pop song "Theme" by Jaggery. | string quartet (violin I, violin II, viola, cello) | Chamber Pop, Siren Rock |
| 2008 | Jaggery | Violin solo to accompany the chamber pop song "Cavedwellers" by Jaggery. | violin solo | Chamber Pop, Siren Rock |
| 2006 | Pieris Music (formerly Arts in Motion) | Composition and arrangement of the art song "Hymn to Diana" (Text by Ben Jonson). | alto soloist, piano | Classical |
| 2006 | Pieris Music (formerly Arts in Motion) | Composition and arrangement of the art song "How Should I Your True Love Know" (Text by William Shakespeare). | alto soloist, piano, string orchestra (violin I, violin II, viola, cello), violin soloist, viola soloist | Classical |
