Composer and
multi-disciplined artist Yoav Gal specializes in the marriage of music and
image. His work has been described as "Indie Opera",
(New York Times’ Anne Midgette), and “livingroom opera”
(Michael Gordon, Bang on a Can), and also as "music that is drawn
to what's next, rather then what has been" ( NY Times’ Allan
Kozinn). Gal recent commissions include works such as Dr. KING,
for the Bang on a Can Peoples Commissioning Fund, 2006; MOSHEH,
a mixed-media opera, for Merkin Concert Hall, NYC, 2006, and currently in
developement at HERE Arts Center, NY; and WE SHALL FIGHT,
for the Real Quiet trio. Gal’s other commissions include VENUS
IN FURS, a videopera (2004) and BERESHIT, (2001),
for the Golden Fleece LTD.
Gal often authors the text in his works. He is also involved in multiple
aspect of his staged production, including designing sets, video and props.
The dress he designed for the production of his comic opera, THE
DWARF (Vertical Player Rep, 2003) was noted upon in the New York
Times: "…designing a bustle large enough to conceal the tenor
who plays Lingus [the dwarf], seemed as much a source of pride to Mr. Gal
as writing the piece itself…"(Anne Midgette). Gal also has
a growing list of solo and chamber works, among them IR SHEL SHALOM,
for solo vibraphone and vocal samples, for David Cossin; STRANGERS,
for solo cello, after Frank Sinatra, for Wendy Sutter; several piano pieces
for Gila Goldstein, as well as works for Ensemble Pamplemousse, ICE, Abby
Fischer, and Now Ensemble.
Gal’s recently released CD, Bit by Bit, Cell by Cell,
based on media artist Yael Kanarek’s “World of Awe”, combined
digitally processed voice and sounds generated from discontinued Atari 800XL
computer. The multi media CD had been described as “clusters of
angels caught in various beams of light and held suspended as their songs
bleed through to our world…. Quite lovely, listenable, and beautifully
packaged as well.” by George Parsons of Dream Magazine; “perfectly
accessible and often quite beautiful for it.” by Tim Rutherford-Johnson;
and “A gorgeous work” that “..really pushed the envelope
of how much can be asked of the listener.” By DaveX of the Startling
Moniker.
His other recorded music includes VENUS IN FURS, available on CD baby, and
the soon to be released CD, MOSHEH.
Gal is a recipient of grants from the NEA, American Music Center, Harvestworks,
Franklin Furnace, and BCAT/Brooklyn -Rotunda Gallery. Born in Israel and
a resident of New York since 1988, he holds a BA in composition from the
Manhattan School of Music and an MA from Queens College, a student of David
Noon, Nils Vigeland and Thea Musgrave. He also studied visual art in Thelma
Yelin School for the Arts, in Tel Aviv. His cable show videOpera is sometimes
aired on Brooklyn Community Access TV.