Introducing Composer-in-Residence
By Robin Hazard Ray, Volunteer Docent
Mary Bichner
A number of visitors to the Cemetery this summer were fortunate enough to happen upon an impromptu concert out on the grounds, or echoing from one of the chapels. They were hearing the work of Mary Bichner, an award-winning musician who is Mount Auburn Cemetery’ s composer-inresidence in 2016 – 2017.
Mary’ s unusual gift of synesthesia— for her, colors have sounds— allows her to create richly-colored compositions that delight both classical enthusiasts and pop fans. During 2016, Mary composed ten new works inspired by Mount Auburn’ s breathtaking landscape and landmarks, using her synesthesia to select the musical components that best“ match” the natural color palette of each location. She also performed with the 2015 incarnation of“ A Glimpse Beyond,” the lyrical, ever-changing performance held annually across the Cemetery grounds.
In 2017, Mary Bichner and the Planetary Quartet, her double-viola string ensemble, will record the compositions
“ It is amazing to see how quickly the scenery changes from month to month in the form of falling flower petals, changing leaves, and different types of birdsong. It is an honor to be composing pieces inspired by Mount Auburn.” and present her Mount Auburn— inspired music to the public with a year-long series of public programs and concerts.
Since her residency began, Mary has presented a series of 20-minute“ pop-up” concerts at different sites within the Cemetery’ s landscape, and in 2017 she will present four more of these short concerts. In the spring and fall of 2017, Mary Bichner and the Planetary Quartet will perform two full-length concerts at Mount Auburn’ s Story Chapel. In addition, there will be two free hour-long lunchtime talks at Mount Auburn, where Bichner will perform; discuss her compositions and the history of composers drawing inspiration for their music from nature, landscape, and place; and talk about her own synesthesia and its role in her work.
Mount Auburn’ s new artist residency program gives the Cemetery an opportunity to support artistic creativity without compromising the tranquility of our landscape. Your help is needed to support our mission to inspire all who visit and to continue our long legacy of artist support that began with the Cemetery’ s founding.
2017 Volume 1 | 13