House on Fire
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Sun, Aug 17, 2025 7:30PM
Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 W Sierra Madre Blvd
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
House on Fire (Wells Leng, Richard An, Andrew Anderson) presents a program of works for toy pianos, speaker cones, wooden frogs, twigs, and more. Featuring pieces written by ensemble members Leng and An, a large-scale work by Thomas Meadowcroft, a world premiere commission from Carolyn Chen, and performances by guest musicians Élise Roy on flute and Kevin Good on percussion.
Tickets $12-35
*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, Sierra Madre Playhouse, and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
About
House on Fire is a bold and adventurous new music ensemble formed by pianists and composers Wells Leng, Richard An, and Andrew Anderson. Grounded in their shared roots as pianists but expanded by their versatility on a wide range of instruments—including cello, toy piano, melodica, percussion, and electronics—the trio brings a spirit of collaboration and curiosity to every performance.
This one-of-a-kind concert, curated by Richard An, features a rotating cast of guest musicians and a vibrant selection of contemporary works. The program explores everything from intimate chamber textures to theatrical, tech-forward experiments. Expect layered keyboards, fixed media, click tracks, and unexpected objects like turntables and wooden frog instruments—all staged with thoughtful lighting and visual design to enhance the immersive experience.
Throughout the evening, performers shift across the stage, creating a spatial narrative that matches the eclectic sound world. Some pieces invite tight synchronization between live players and electronic elements; others unfold in visually playful configurations. One moment might center on a dramatic solo gesture, the next might invite audience participation with trinkets, bells, or chirping frogs.
Altogether, the program runs just over an hour and showcases a dynamic range of voices and approaches to music-making today. Whether you're a seasoned new music listener or a curious newcomer, House on Fire promises an evening full of inventive sound, engaging performance, and a little bit of surprise.
Program:
Tristan Perich - qsqsqsqsqqqqqqqqq (~7)
Wells Leng - Sonata (10")
Thomas Meadowcroft - Walkman Antiquarian (~20) - Kevin Good on percussion
Ben Nobuto - trio for ivy house (first movement, ~9) - Élise Roy on flute
Carolyn Chen - Light a Lamp (world premiere, ~10) - featuring both Kevin and Élise, and Carolyn
Richard An - folk songs (new version, ~10)