Ellen Reid Wins Pulitzer for Prism

Composer's Generosity of Spirit and Notes

By: Susan Hall - Apr 16, 2019

Ellen Reid concept realized. Open Play in Omaha

Bang and slide with Ellen Reid

Swing and beat the drums with Ellen Reid

There is nothing like a tire! Ellen Reid in Omaha

A soundscape for play. Ellen Reid, this year's Pulitzer-prize winner, in her Omaha Run.

A soundscape for fun and listening

Ellen Reid has been a hot item this year.  Four venues in Los Angeles commissioned work from her.  Now Prism, a Beth Morrison production, has won the Pulitzer prize for music.  We wandered her soundscape in Omaha created for her by Opera Omaha at the Josyln Art Museum. 

There is a composer Ellen Reid and a sound artist Ellen Reid. Both can be wonderfully present in her work. She writes notes as a composer would, but her notion of a soundscape has to do with how a listener received the sounds.  She is a superb collaborator and takes a position quite unlike opera composer's past, who were front and forward in their work.

"...everything's in response to everything else and so even if I think I'm doing this by myself, I'm not..."  Some parts may have more weight than others, but they are not more important.  

James Darrah, Opera Omaha's One Festival Artistic Director and Curator, directed Prism.  

Here is some of Reid's music for Prism.  https://vimeo.com/325270884

International Contemporary Ensemble performing Run.
https://vimeo.com/329689523

Our review of Prism.  https://www.berkshirefinearts.com/01-11-2019_prism-in-rolling-world-premiere-at-prototype.htm