Presented by Nonsequitur and Washington Composers Forum as part of the Transport Series. (photo: John Fago/Other Minds)

Peter Garland is one of the great heirs of the cranky American Experimental Tradition of Ives, Ruggles, Cowell, Cage, Harrison, Nancarrow, and Partch. Currently living in Maine, Garland spent many years living in the American Southwest and Mexico, studying and absorbing various indigenous folk musics. His mature music combines elements of minimalism with folky dance rhythms and gentle lyricism. His recordings have been released on labels such as Nonsequitur/¿What Next?, Cold Blue, Tzadik, Mode, and New Albion.

Tonight’s program features music for small ensembles, performed by Seattle musicians: Symphony No. 1: “New Chants” (Sarah Bassingthwaighte, flute/piccolo; Jesse Canterbury, clarinet; Chris Stover, trombone); I Have Had to Learn the Simplest Things Last (Cristina Valdes, piano; Pacific Rims Percussion Quartet, vibraphone/marimba/claves/tambourine); Songs of Exile & Wine (Emily Greenleaf, mezzo soprano; Cristina Valdes, piano).