February 2026

DISPATCHES: a progress report

Dear Friends,

In January, my ensemble and I had our first rehearsal of DISPATCHES from the CHARCOAL FOREST (DCF) at the newly built-out Paul Dresher Studio in Oakland. It was a productive day musically and logistically, and such a thrill to be in this wonderful space to actually begin to envision the piece in more physical terms: How far can the singers be from one another and still hear each other? Can they move and sing a certain section simultaneously? All of this within my spatial soundtrack coming from 4 channels/speakers set up around the ensemble. I am now full of ideas about movement and transitions, and integrating all of the elements for the final composition. In other words, this ambitious piece is coming together!

in this issue:

+Paul Dresher Ensemble Rehearsal Update Video
+Please give via InterMusicSF, as I am now an affiliate
+Residency in Ireland

Paul Dresher Ensemble Residency Video Update Here:

DISPATCHES from the CHARCOAL FOREST

Performances will take place May 1 & 2 in shared evenings with Amy X Neuburg, who will present her 8-channel work, “Come to My House.”

Performances will continue with DCF alone the following weekend, May 8/9 at the MilkBar in Richmond.

HELP FUND DISPATCHES

I am still working to raise funds for this ambitious and timely project. You can make your InterMusic SF tax-deductible donation by clicking “SUPPORT THIS PROJECT” on the page linked below.

CLICK TO DONATE VIA INTERMUSIC SF


RESIDENCY IN IRELAND

I was recently awarded an artist Residency in Ireland near Cork at Greywood Arts, scheduled for next September. I am very excited. I look forward to reading, walking, composing, drinking Guinness on its home soil, and traveling in a democratic country. 


Merlin Coleman