Steve Reich Concert Series (I/II) — With Steve Reich and Colin Currie Group

Reich himself kicks off the festivities here, joining Currie onstage for an impeccable rendition of his Clapping Music, an ingenious play on the complexities of microrhythms that stimulates the mind as well as any sweeping melody. Currie and his group then move on to the Quartet for Two Pianos and Two Vibraphones and, finally, Drumming, all beautifully spotlighting Reich's technique of phase music—a playhouse for the musicians' incredible energy and jaw-dropping precision that plays uncannily on the ear as multiple nearly identical motifs cycle in and out of rhythm. The evening concludes with an interview with the composer, who offers up bits of wisdom gleaned over the decades and a captivating glimpse at his rich artistic vision.