April 18-19, 2003 Peabody Conservatory Baltimore, MD
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History of the 24 Hour Concert
The 24 Hour Concert event has a unique and interesting history. Strictly speaking, it began with J. Anthony Allen, a composer of both electronic and acoustic works. Mr. Allen's involvment with the event came about as an association with the Grand Rapids, Michigan based performance group, X-Performance Group. Although similar events happen at other universities and theaters, the 24HC was inspired by the treatment of the event of the X-Performance Group. The X-Performance Group began doing 24 hour theater many years ago while some of the members were attending Michigan State University. As their group grew, they became the resident ensemble with the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (link: http://www.uica.org) in Grand Rapids. Mr. Allen heard about the curious event, and contacted the group about becoming involved. Traditionally (if that word can be used for a 24 hour theater event), the X-Performance Group used several playwrights, and did a show of plays created throughout the night. With Mr.Allen's involvement, the group agreed to take a chance on writing a 24 hour operetta. Mr. Allen did not meet the librettist until the events began, and they worked feverously throughout the night to create a 20 minute operetta for 3 singers, 2 actors, and 11 musicians. Mr.Allen was so excited about the project, he began carrying it on with composers and musicians. The 24 Hour Concert is directly derived from the X-Performance Group's threatment of 24 Hour Theater. For more information on the X-Performance Group, or the Urban Institue for Contemporary Arts, visit these links:
The x-Performance Group
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