June 9, 1938:
Charles Peter Wuorinen is born in Physicians and Surgeons Hospital, New York City, USA, the second of two children born to John Henry Wuorinen, a history teacher at Columbia University, and Alfhild Kalijarvi.
May 2, 1954:
O Filii et Filiae for chorus by Charles Wuorinen (15) to words of 15th century French plainsong in English and Latin is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
March 1, 1956:
Prelude and Fugue for four percussionists by Charles Wuorinen (17) is performed for the first time, in the Recital Hall of the School of Music, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
May 13, 1956:
Several works by Charles Wuorinen (17) are performed for the first time in New York: Song and Dance and Scherzo for piano solo performed by the composer, settings of two lute songs by Thomas Campion (†336) for male chorus, Faire, If You Expect Admiring and Turne Backe, You Wanton Flyer and Te Decet Hymnus for vocal soloists, chorus, timpani, organ, and piano, the composer at the keyboard.
June 30, 1956:
Homage à Bach for organ by Charles Wuorinen (18) is performed for the first time, in First Congregational Church, Gardner, Massachusetts.
August 15, 1956:
Sonatina for woodwind quartet by Charles Wuorinen (18) is performed for the first time, in Bennington, Vermont.
August 22, 1956:
Into the Organ Pipes and Steeples for eleven players by Charles Wuorinen (18) is performed for the first time, in Bennington, Vermont.
December 1, 1956:
Music for Orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (18) is performed for the first time, at Columbia University, New York.
January 16, 1957:
Wind Quintet no.1 by Charles Wuorinen (18) is performed for the first time, possibly in New York.
April 8, 1957:
Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights for narrator, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, cello, percussion, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (18) is performed for the first time, in the Rooftop Theatre, New York.
July 7, 1957:
Concertante I for violin and strings by Charles Wuorinen (19) is performed for the first time, in Middlebury, Vermont.
July 28, 1957:
Three Mass Movements for solo violin by Charles Wuorinen (19) is performed for the first time, in East Hampton, New York.
January 19, 1958:
Triptych for violin, viola, and percussion by Charles Wuorinen (19) is performed for the first time, in Kaufmann Concert Hall, 92nd St. Y, New York.
January 26, 1958:
Be Merry All that be Present for chorus and organ by Charles Wuorinen (19) to anonymous words is performed for the first time, in the Church of the Transfiguration, New York.
February 11, 1958:
Wind Quintet no.2 by Charles Wuorinen (19) is performed for the first time, in Barnard Parlor, Barnard College, New York.
March 7, 1958:
Symphony no.1 by Charles Wuorinen (19) is performed for the first time, in the Great Hall, Cooper Union, New York.
April 10, 1958:
Spectrum for solo violin, brass quintet, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (19) is performed for the first time, in the Barkley Hotel, Philadelphia.
July 6, 1958:
Concertante II for violin, piano, and strings by Charles Wuorinen (20) is performed for the first time, in Middlebury, Vermont.
August 9, 1958:
Three Pieces for string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (20) is performed for the first time, in Bennington, Vermont.
October 31, 1958:
Trio Concertante for oboe, violin, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (20) is performed for the first time, in Sloan Hall at the Emma Willard School, Troy, New York.
December 16, 1958:
Sonata for piano by Charles Wuorinen (20) is performed for the first time, in Salon de Musique of the Barbizon Hotel, New York.
February 27, 1959:
Symphony no.2 by Charles Wuorinen (20) is performed for the first time, in Great Hall, Cooper Union, New York.
August 29, 1959:
Concertante IV for violin, piano, and chamber orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (21) is performed for the first time, in Bennington, Vermont.
November 11, 1959:
Symphony no.3 by Charles Wuorinen (21) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
April 4, 1960:
Consort of Four Trombones by Charles Wuorinen (21) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
April 22, 1960:
Two songs for two mezzo-sopranos and piano by Charles Wuorinen (21) to words of Strombeck are performed for the first time, at Barnard College, New York, the composer at the keyboard: The Door in the Wall and On the Raft.
August 7, 1960:
Turetzky Pieces for flute, clarinet, and double bass by Charles Wuorinen (22) is performed for the first time, in Westbrook, Connecticut.
August 27, 1960:
Madrigale Spirituale Supra Salmo Secundo for male chorus, two oboes, two violins, cello, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (22) to words from the Bible is performed for the first time, in Bennington, Vermont.
January 15, 1961:
Consort from Instruments and Voices for electronic tape by Charles Wuorinen (22) is performed for the first time, in Kaufman Concert Hall, 92nd Street Y, New York.
March 27, 1961:
Symphonia sacra for tenor, baritone, bass, two violins, two oboes, double bass, and organ by Charles Wuorinen (22) to words from the Bible is performed for the first time, in St. Thomas’ Church, New York.
June 21, 1961:
Eight Variations for violin and harpsichord by Charles Wuorinen (23) is performed for the first time, in the School of Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary, New York.
August 2, 1961:
Two pieces by Charles Wuorinen (23) are performed for the first time, at the School of Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary, New York: Concertante III for solo harpsichord, oboe, violin, viola, and cello and Tiento Sobre Cabézón for flute, oboe, violin, viola, cello, harpsichord, and piano.
August 19, 1961:
Evolution transcripts for chamber orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (23) is performed for the first time, in the Carriage Barn, Bennington College, Bennington, Vermont.
December 14, 1961:
Trio for flute, cello, and piano no.1 by Charles Wuorinen (23) is performed for the first time, at Barnard College, New York, the composer at the keyboard.
March 6, 1962:
Invention for percussion quintet by Charles Wuorinen (23) is performed for the first time, at the Manhattan School of Music, New York. The composer plays timpani.
April 8, 1962:
Evolutio Organ for organ solo by Charles Wuorinen (23) is performed for the first time, at the Church of the Advent, Boston. The work is dedicated to the memory of Lili Boulanger (†44) in gratitude for the presentation of the Lili Boulanger Award to the composer on 13 March 1961. The dedicatee’s sister, Nadia Boulanger (74), is in the audience.
April 30, 1962:
Duuiensela for cello and piano by Charles Wuorinen (23) is performed for the first time, at the Jewish Community Centre, New Haven, Connecticut.
May 11, 1962:
Concert for double bass alone by Charles Wuorinen (23) is performed for the first time, in Southport, Connecticut.
July 17, 1962:
Bearbeitungen über das Glogauer Liederbuch for flute, clarinet, violin, and bass by Charles Wuorinen (24) is performed for the first time, at the University of Hartford.
September 27, 1962:
Octet for oboe, clarinet, horn, trombone, violin, cello, bass, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (24) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
November 17, 1962:
Sonata for flute and piano by Charles Wuorinen (24) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of WNYC, New York.
May 6, 1963:
Trio for flute, oboe, and piano no.2 by Charles Wuorinen (24) is performed for the first time, in McMillin Theatre, Columbia University, New York the composer at the keyboard.
November 11, 1963:
Echoi for clarinet, cello, piano, and percussion by Lukas Foss (41) is performed for the first time, in McMillin Theatre, Columbia University Charles Wuorinen (25) at the piano.
December 18, 1963:
Flute Variations I for flute solo by Charles Wuorinen (25) is performed for the first time, in Donnell Library, New York.
January 13, 1964:
Piano Variations by Charles Wuorinen (25) is performed for the first time, at Columbia University the composer at the keyboard.
February 17, 1964:
Chamber Concerto for cello and ten instruments by Charles Wuorinen (25) is performed for the first time, in New York.
February 19, 1964:
Concertone for brass quintet and orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (25) is performed for the first time, in Iowa City.
April 26, 1964:
Composition for violin and ten instruments by Charles Wuorinen (25) is performed for the first time, in New York.
August 9, 1964:
A Chamber Concerto for flute and ten instruments by Charles Wuorinen (26) is performed for the first time, at Tanglewood, Lennox, Massachusetts.
November 16, 1964:
Trio in Two Parts for flute, cello, and piano by Stefan Wolpe (62) is performed for the first time, in McMillin Theatre, Columbia University. Charles Wuorinen (26) plays the piano part.
July 30, 1965:
Orchestral and Electronic Exchanges for orchestra and synthesized sound by Charles Wuorinen (27) is performed for the first time, in Lincoln Center, New York.
November 8, 1965:
Chamber Concerto for oboe and ten instruments by Charles Wuorinen (27) is performed for the first time, in McMillin Theatre, Columbia University conducted by the composer.
December 15, 1965:
A concert in memory of Edgar Varèse takes place in the McMillin Theatre of Columbia University. The provost, Jacques Barzun delivers a brief address as does Otto Luening (65). Some film of Thomas Bouchard is shown as well as a recording of recent remarks by Varèse. Charles Wuorinen (27) directs a performance of Varèse’s Octandre. Density 21.5 is performed. Excerpts from Déserts are played as well as Poème électronique, adapted for the occasion by Vladimir Ussachevsky (54).
February 1, 1966:
The first all-Wuorinen (27) radio broadcast takes place over the airwaves of WBAI, New York.
April 3, 1966:
Composition for oboe and piano by Charles Wuorinen (27) is performed for the first time, at the Gardner Museum, Boston the composer at the keyboard.
May 4, 1966:
Piano Concerto no.1 by Charles Wuorinen (27) is performed for the first time, at the University of Iowa, Iowa City the composer at the keyboard.
October 26, 1966:
Janissary Music (Part I) for percussion solo by Charles Wuorinen (28) is performed for the first time, in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. See 12 March 1967.
March 12, 1967:
Janissary Music (Part II) for percussion solo by Charles Wuorinen (28) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York. See 26 October 1966.
May 10, 1967:
Bicinium for two oboes by Charles Wuorinen (28) is performed for the first time, at Greenwich House Music School, New York.
April 17, 1968:
Duo for violin and piano by Charles Wuorinen (29) is performed for the first time, in Greenwich House Music School, New York the composer at the piano.
May 19, 1968:
Making Ends Meet for piano four hands by Charles Wuorinen (29) is performed for the first time, in East Garden Court, National Gallery of Art, Washington.
October 27, 1968:
String Trio by Charles Wuorinen (30) is performed for the first time, in the National Gallery, Washington.
October 28, 1968:
The Politics of Harmony, an opera by Charles Wuorinen (30) to words of Monaco, is performed for the first time, in McMillin Theatre, Columbia University directed by the composer.
March 2, 1969:
Part II of Time’s Encomium for synthesized and processed synthesized sound by Charles Wuorinen (30) is performed for the first time, in Newark, New Jersey. See 16 August 1969 and 8 May 1970.
April 17, 1969:
Flute Variations II for flute solo by Charles Wuorinen (30) is performed for the first time, at Jersey City State College.
August 4, 1969:
The Long and the Short for violin solo by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed for the first time, in Berkeley, California.
August 16, 1969:
Time’s Encomium for synthesized and processed synthesized sound by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed completely for the first time, at Tanglewood, Lenox, Massachusetts. See 8 May 1970.
October 29, 1969:
Nature’s Concord for trumpet and piano by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed for the first time, in the studios of Irish State Radio.
November 19, 1969:
Contrafactum for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed for the first time, in The Auditorium of the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
February 25, 1970:
Adapting to the Times for cello and piano by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed for the first time, in Bowker Auditorium of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the composer at the keyboard.
April 9, 1970:
The 13-member advisory board to Columbia University on the Pulitzer Prize meets to decide a music recipient. While weighing the recommendation of the Pulitzer music jury, Charles Wuorinen’s (31) Time’s Encomium, one member queries “whether a computer can compose.” The board votes in favor of Wuorinen after Vermont C. Royster, editor and vice-president of the Wall Street Journal, hums a few bars from the work. Time’s Encomium was composed on an RCA Mark II synthesizer.
April 28, 1970:
Ringing Changes for twelve percussionists by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed for the first time, at William Paterson State College, Wayne, New Jersey, the composer conducting. “This premiere was interrupted by a disturbance. The concert was a noon program. Ringing Changes was the last work to be performed and made the concert run over a full hour. A professor of communications who was scheduled to have a large class the next hour in the same hall grew impatient (the performance simply continuing) and routed Wuorinen and the ensemble by applying a power saw to a handy microphone.”
April 29, 1970:
Ringing Changes for twelve percussionists by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed without interruption for the first time, at Jersey City State College.
May 4, 1970:
The Pulitzer Prize in music is awarded to Charles Wuorinen (31) for his Time’s Encomium. When asked about the meeting of 9 April, Pulitzer board member Vermont C. Royster repeats his performance over the telephone for a New York Times reporter. “It goes something like this: ‘bum, beep, deetely doot.’”
May 8, 1970:
Time’s Encomium for synthesized and processed synthesized sound by Charles Wuorinen (31) is performed completely for the first time, at the State University of New York, Albany. See 2 March 1969.
October 20, 1970:
A Message to Denmark Hill for baritone, flute, cello, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (32) to words of Howard is performed for the first time, privately at the home of Coburn Britton, 6 St. Luke’s Place, New York the composer at the keyboard. See 23 December 1970.
December 8, 1970:
Cello Variations I for cello alone by Charles Wuorinen (32) is performed for the first time, in Blauvelt Theatre, Philadelphia.
December 14, 1970:
Piano Sonata no.1 by Charles Wuorinen (32) is performed for the first time, at Kay Spiritual Life Center, Washington.
December 23, 1970:
A Message to Denmark Hill for baritone, flute, cello, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (32) to words of Howard is performed publicly for the first time, at the New York Cultural Center, the composer at the keyboard. See 20 October 1970.
January 11, 1971:
A Song to the Lute in Musicke for soprano and piano by Charles Wuorinen (32) to words attributed to Edwards, is performed for the first time, in McMillin Theatre, Columbia University.
March 7, 1971:
Two works are performed for the first time, in Kaufmann Concert Hall, 92nd Street Y, New York: Chamber Concerto for tuba by Charles Wuorinen (32) the composer conducting, and Otto Luening’s (70) Sonata for violin solo no.3.
March 18, 1971:
The New York Times reports that faculty and students have written to the President of Columbia University urging him not to fire Charles Wuorinen (32) and three other music teachers. The university is considering their termination as a cost-cutting measure.
April 17, 1971:
Variations for harp, violin, viola, and cello by Charles Wuorinen (32) is performed for the first time.
June 5, 1971:
Charles Wuorinen (32) receives an honorary degree from Jersey City State College.
October 11, 1971:
String Quartet no.1 by Charles Wuorinen (33) is performed for the first time, in Goodman Theatre, Chicago.
January 31, 1972:
Canzona for twelve instruments by Charles Wuorinen (33) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York, the composer conducting. The work is dedicated to the memory of Igor Stravinsky (†0).
April 6, 1972:
The John Simon Guggenheim Foundation announces cash grants to 372 scholars, scientists, and artists including Charles Wuorinen (33).
May 14, 1972:
Violin Variations for violin solo by Charles Wuorinen (33) is performed for the first time, in Kaufmann Concert Hall, 92nd Street Y, New York.
August 4, 1972:
Concerto for amplified violin and orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (34) is performed for the first time, at Tanglewood, Lenox, Massachusetts.
September 30, 1972:
Grand Bamboula for string orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (34) is performed for the first time, in Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.
January 14, 1973:
Speculum Speculi for flute, oboe, bass clarinet, percussion, piano, and double bass by Charles Wuorinen (34) is performed for the first time, in Chester Fritz Auditorium, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
March 28, 1973:
Trio no.3 for flute, cello, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (34) is performed for the first time, in the New York Cultural Center, the composer at the keyboard.
April 17, 1973:
Harp Variations for harp, violin, viola, and cello by Charles Wuorinen (34) is performed for the first time in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
April 22, 1973:
On Alligators for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (34) is performed for the first time.
May 1, 1973:
Mannheim 87.87.87 by Charles Wuorinen (34) is performed for the first time, in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York.
October 28, 1973:
Bassoon Variations for bassoon, harp, and timpani by Charles Wuorinen (35) is performed for the first time, in Sanders Theatre, Harvard University.
November 5, 1973:
Grand Union for cello and drums by Charles Wuorinen (35) is performed for the first time, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.
February 23, 1974:
Arabia felix for flute, bassoon, piano, electric guitar, vibraphone, and violin by Charles Wuorinen (35) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
March 14, 1974:
Parts of The W. of Babylon, an opera by Charles Wuorinen (35) to words of Bruce, are performed for the first time, in Borden Auditorium, Manhattan School of Music. See 20 January 1989.
December 6, 1974:
Piano Concerto no.2 for amplified piano and orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (36) is performed for the first time, in New York.
June 1, 1975:
A Reliquary for Igor Stravinsky (†4) for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (36) is performed for the first time, in Ojai, California.
December 14, 1975:
Fantasia for violin and piano by Charles Wuorinen (37) is performed for the first time, at the Baltimore Museum of Art, the composer at the piano.
January 15, 1976:
Tashi for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (37) is performed for the first time, in Colorado State College, Colorado Springs. See 13 October 1976.
March 21, 1976:
Hyperion for twelve instruments by Charles Wuorinen (37) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, Adelaide, South Australia.
October 2, 1976:
Piano Sonata no.2 by Charles Wuorinen (38) is performed for the first time, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington.
October 13, 1976:
Tashi for clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and orchestra ad lib by Charles Wuorinen (38) is performed for the first time, in Severence Hall, Cleveland, the composer conducting. See 15 January 1976.
May 19, 1977:
The Winds for eight winds and piano by Charles Wuorinen (38) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
May 19, 1977:
The first movement of the Percussion Symphony for 24 percussion players by Charles Wuorinen (38) is performed for the first time at William Paterson State College, Wayne, New Jersey the composer conducting. See 26 January 1978.
January 26, 1978:
Percussion Symphony by Charles Wuorinen (38) is performed completely for the first time, at Somerset County College, Somerville, New Jersey the composer conducting. On the same program is the premiere of Wuorinen’s Six Songs for two voices for counter-tenor, tenor, oboe, bassoon, two horns, violin, and cello to words of Britton. See 19 May 1977.
February 24, 1978:
Wind Quintet no.1 by Charles Wuorinen (39) is performed for the first time, in Great Hall, Cooper Union, New York.
April 18, 1978:
Six Pieces for violin and piano by Charles Wuorinen (39) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York the composer at the keyboard.
May 11, 1978:
Self-Seminar Waltz for piano by Charles Wuorinen (39) is performed for the first time, at Northwestern University, Chicago.
August 10, 1978:
Ancestors for chamber orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (40) is performed for the first time, at Reed College in Portland, Oregon the composer conducting.
December 11, 1978:
Two-part Symphony for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (40) is performed for the first time, in Alice Tully Hall, New York.
December 18, 1978:
Archangel for bass trombone and string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (40) is performed for the first time, in Borden Auditorium, New York.
February 13, 1979:
Fast Fantasy for cello and piano by Charles Wuorinen (40) is performed for the first time, in a recording session for Finnish Radio, Helsinki.
April 11, 1979:
Three Songs for tenor and piano by Charles Wuorinen (40) to words of Britton is performed for the first time, in the studios of WFMT, New York the composer at the piano.
August 1, 1979:
String Quartet no.2 by Charles Wuorinen (41) is performed for the first time, on the Grand Teton Music Festival Stage, Jackson, Wyoming.
September 26, 1979:
The Magic Art: An Instrumental Masque Drawn from the Works of Henry Purcell for chamber orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (41) is performed for the first time, in St. Paul the composer conducting.
October 29, 1979:
Percussion Duo for mallet instruments and piano by Charles Wuorinen (41) is performed for the first time, at the Center for New Music, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
November 11, 1979:
Psalm 39 for baritone and guitar by Charles Wuorinen (41) is performed for the first time, at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington.
March 23, 1980:
Several world premieres take place in Alice Tully Hall, New York to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Da Capo Chamber Players, founded by Joan Tower (41): Joan’s for flute, clarinet in A, violin, cello, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (41), Private Game for clarinet and cello by Shulamit Ran (30), Scherzo by George Perle (64), Modern Love Waltz by Philip Glass (43), and Petroushskates by Joan Tower.
January 12, 1981:
Beast 708 for computer generated tape or flute, clarinet, two horns, two trombones, vibraphone, piano, violin, and double bass by Charles Wuorinen (42) in memory of Arnold Schoenberg (†29), is performed for the first time, at the Arnold Schoenberg Institute of UCLA conducted by the composer. (The UCLA libraries have no record of this event.)
February 21, 1981:
Ecclesiastical Symphonies for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (42) is performed for the first time, in Centennial Hall, Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois.
April 25, 1981:
The Celestial Sphere for chorus, orchestra, and tape ad lib by Charles Wuorinen (42) to words of Fuller is performed for the first time, in Centennial Hall, Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois.
May 29, 1981:
The Blue Bamboula for piano by Charles Wuorinen (42) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
April 14, 1982:
Capriccio for piano by Charles Wuorinen (43) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Space, New York.
July 1, 1982:
Archeopteryx for bass trombone and ten performers by Charles Wuorinen (44) is performed for the first time, in Caramoor, New York, the composer conducting.
November 8, 1982:
New York Notes for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, percussion, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (44) is performed for the first time, at California State University at Sacramento.
February 13, 1983:
Short Suite for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (44) is performed for the first time, at the State University of New York, Purchase the composer conducting.
March 6, 1983:
Charles Wuorinen’s (44) Divertimento for alto saxophone and piano is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York the composer at the keyboard.
April 14, 1983:
Trio for bass instruments for bass trombone, double bass, and tuba by Charles Wuorinen (44) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Recital Hall, New York.
April 18, 1983:
Horn Trio for french horn, violin, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (44) is performed for the first time, at the 92nd Street Y, New York the composer at the keyboard.
May 9, 1983:
Divertimento for string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (44) is performed for the first time, in Glens Falls, New York.
May 18, 1983:
Spinoff for violin, double bass, and congas by Charles Wuorinen (44) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Space, New York.
October 1, 1983:
A Piano Trio by Charles Wuorinen (45) is performed for the first time, at Kean College, Union, New Jersey.
November 20, 1983:
Mass for chorus, violin, three trombones, and organ by Charles Wuorinen (45) is performed for the first time, in St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church, New York, the composer conducting.
May 4, 1984:
Piano Concerto no.3 by Charles Wuorinen (45) is performed for the first time, in Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Troy, New York.
May 30, 1984:
Album Leaf for piano by Charles Wuorinen (45) is performed for the first time, in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York by the composer.
June 4, 1984:
Bamboula Squared for orchestra and electronic sounds by Charles Wuorinen (45) is performed for the first time, in Avery Fisher Hall, New York, the composer conducting.
December 13, 1984:
Movers and Shakers for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (46) is performed for the first time, in Severance Hall, Cleveland.
January 16, 1985:
Rhapsody for violin and orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (46) is performed for the first time, in Davis Symphony Hall, San Francisco.
January 29, 1985:
Charles Wuorinen (46) is appointed composer-in-residence with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
February 5, 1985:
Concertino for winds and strings by Charles Wuorinen (46) is performed for the first time, in Alice Tully Hall, New York.
May 9, 1985:
Crossfire for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (46) is performed for the first time, in Meyerhoff Hall, Baltimore.
November 21, 1985:
Prelude to Kullervo for tuba and orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (47) is performed for the first time, in St. Peter’s Church, New York.
March 15, 1986:
Fanfare for the Houston Symphony by Charles Wuorinen (47) is performed for the first time, in Jones Hall, Houston.
May 16, 1986:
Double solo for horn, violin, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (47) is performed for the first time, in Alice Tully Hall, New York.
September 10, 1986:
The Golden Dance for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (48) is performed for the first time, in Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco.
November 6, 1986:
Trombone Trio by Charles Wuorinen (48) is performed for the first time, in Merkin Concert Hall, Abraham Goodman House, New York.
November 10, 1986:
Fanfare for Rutgers University for brass sextet by Charles Wuorinen (48) is performed for the first time, in Meadowlands, New Jersey the composer conducting.
November 13, 1986:
A Doleful Dompe on Deborah's Departure As Well As Borda's Bawdy Badinage for english horn, violin, and cello by Charles Wuorinen (48) is performed for the first time, at a private party in San Francisco.
September 27, 1987:
Galliard for chamber orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (49) is performed for the first time, at Cleveland State University, Cleveland. Also given its first complete performance is the Narrative in Two Movements for cello and 14 instruments by Ross Lee Finney (80).
November 6, 1987:
String Quartet no.3 by Charles Wuorinen (49) is performed for the first time, in the Hopkins Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
January 31, 1988:
Natural Fantasy for organ by Charles Wuorinen (49) is performed for the first time, in the Park Avenue Christian Church, New York.
February 4, 1988:
Bamboula Beach for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (49) is performed for the first time, in the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Miami.
February 14, 1988:
Charles Wuorinen’s (49) orchestral piece Another Happy Birthday is performed for the first time, in Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco.
February 16, 1988:
Charles Wuorinen’s (49) Josquin: Ave Christe for piano is performed for the first time, in a private setting in New York.
April 24, 1988:
Five: Concerto for Amplified Cello and Orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (49) is performed for the first time, at the New York State Theatre, Lincoln Center, conducted by the composer.
May 24, 1988:
Horn Trio Continued for french horn, violin, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (49) is performed for the first time, in Los Angeles.
November 25, 1988:
Sonata for violin and piano by Charles Wuorinen (50) is performed for the first time, in Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress in Washington.
January 20, 1989:
Charles Wuorinen’s (50) opera The W. of Babylon to words of Bruce is performed completely for the first time, in a concert setting in Herbst Theatre, San Francisco. See 14 March 1975.
March 29, 1989:
Piano Sonata no.3 by Charles Wuorinen (50) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
May 24, 1989:
Machault Mon Chou for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (50) is performed for the first time, in Davis Symphony Hall, San Francisco.
June 12, 1989:
Bagatelle for piano by Charles Wuorinen (51) is performed for the first time, in Albright-Knox Gallery, Buffalo.
November 4, 1989:
A String Sextet by Charles Wuorinen (51) is performed for the first time, in Oliver Swan Porter Memorial Auditorium, Covington, Georgia.
August 11, 1990:
Astra for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (52) is performed for the first time, in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen.
December 30, 1990:
A solis ortu for chorus by Charles Wuorinen (52) is performed for the first time, in St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church, New York.
September 26, 1991:
Genesis for chorus and orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (53), to words of the Bible, Liber Usualis, missal, breviary, gradual, and antiphonal, is performed for the first time, at Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco.
November 9, 1991:
Delight of the Muses, a ballet by Charles Wuorinen (53), is performed for the first time, in a concert performance at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. It is put on so the choreographer, Peter Martins, can have a recording of the music. See 29 January 1992.
January 29, 1992:
Delight of the Muses, a ballet by Charles Wuorinen (53), is staged for the first time, at the New York State Theatre in Lincoln Center, the composer conducting.
February 23, 1992:
Missa brevis for chorus and organ by Charles Wuorinen (53) is performed for the first time, at St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church, New York.
October 12, 1992:
A Winter’s Tale for soprano, clarinet, horn, violin, viola, cello, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (54) to words of Thomas, is performed for the first time, in Spivey Hall of Clayton State College, Atlanta.
March 19, 1993:
Microsymphony by Charles Wuorinen (54) is performed for the first time, in Philadelphia.
August 8, 1998:
River of Light for chamber ensemble by Charles Wuorinen (60) is performed for the first time, at Tanglewood, Lenox, Massachusetts.
October 7, 2000:
String Quartet no.4 by Charles Wuorinen (62) is performed for the first time, in El Paso.
January 28, 2001:
The Great Procession for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (62) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
May 13, 2001:
Stanzas before time by Charles Wuorinen (62) to words of Ashberry is performed for the first time, in the Guggenheim Museum, New York.
May 16, 2001:
Cyclops (2000) for chamber orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (62) is performed for the first time, in Queen Elizabeth Hall, London.
January 17, 2002:
Buttons and Bows or Superparticular Variations for cello and accordion by Charles Wuorinen (63) is performed for the first time, in Christ and St. Stephen’s Church, New York.
August 3, 2002:
Josquiniana for string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (64) is performed for the first time, in Taos, New Mexico.
October 3, 2002:
ALAP, a prelude to Contrapunctus IX of the Art of Fugue for string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (64) is performed for the first time, at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire.
October 13, 2002:
The Haroun Songbook, selections from the opera by voice and piano by Charles Wuorinen (64) to words of Rushdie, is performed for the first time, in New York.
November 10, 2002:
Pentecost for tenor and harp by Charles Wuorinen (64) to words of Wolcott is performed for the first time, in New York.
August 15, 2003:
Fento Songs II, a cycle for voice, violin, cello, and two guitars by Charles Wuorinen (65), is performed for the first time, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Also premiered is Morton Subotnick’s (70) Release for clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and computer generated sounds.
October 19, 2003:
The Long Boat for mezzo-soprano and english horn by Charles Wuorinen (65) to words of Kunitz is performed for the first time, in the Guggenheim Museum, New York.
October 31, 2004:
Haroun and the Sea of Stories, an opera by Charles Wuorinen (66) to words of Fenton after Rushdie, is performed for the first time, in New York.
March 24, 2005:
Two new works are performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Boston: Piano Concerto no.4 by Charles Wuorinen (66), and Darkbloom, Overture for an Imagined Opera for orchestra by John Harbison (66).
April 17, 2005:
Ashberyana for baritone voice, trombone, piano, and string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (66) to words of Ashbery, is performed for the first time, at the Guggenheim Museum, New York the composer conducting.
November 5, 2006:
Never Again the Same for voice and tuba by Charles Wuorinen (68) to words of Tate is performed for the first time, in the Peter Lewis Auditorium of the Guggenheim Museum, New York.
January 14, 2007:
Theologoumenon for orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (68) is performed for the first time, in Isaac Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, New York.
February 15, 2007:
Symphony no.8 "Theologoumena" by Charles Wuorinen (68) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Hall, Boston.
April 14, 2007:
Spin 5 for violin and 18 players by Charles Wuorinen (68) is performed for the first time, in Miller Theatre.
September 20, 2007:
Iridule for oboe and six players by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in Symphony Space, New York.
January 25, 2008:
Christes Crosse (Morley) and Ave Maria (Josquin) by Charles Wuorinen (69), both for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano, are performed for the first time, in Portland, Oregon.
April 5, 2008:
Scherzo for piano by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in the 92nd Street YMHA, New York.
April 14, 2008:
Heart Shadow for piano by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in Zankel Hall, New York.
May 8, 2008:
Synaxis, a concerto grosso for four soloists, strings, and timpani by Charles Wuorinen (69), is performed for the first time, in the State Theatre, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
June 1, 2008:
Fourth Piano Sonata by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
June 6, 2008:
Piano Quintet no.2 by Charles Wuorinen (69) is performed for the first time, in Rockport, Massachusetts.
October 2, 2008:
Viola Variations by Charles Wuorinen (70) is performed for the first time, in Merkin Concert Hall, New York.
January 25, 2009:
Time Regained, a fantasy for piano and orchestra by Charles Wuorinen (70), is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
May 31, 2009:
Fourth Piano Sonata by Charles Wuorinen (70) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, New York.
June 10, 2009:
Synaxis for four soloists, strings, and timpani by Charles Wuorinen (71) is performed for the first time, in Miller Theatre, New York.
March 1, 2010:
Metagong for two pianos and two percussionists by Charles Wuorinen (71) is performed for the first time, in Merkin Concert Hall, New York.
April 1, 2010:
Oros for piano by Charles Wuorinen (71) is performed for the first time, at John Knowles Paine Concert Hall, Harvard University.
April 19, 2010:
Trio for flute, bass clarinet, and piano by Charles Wuorinen (71) is performed for the first time, in Merkin Concert Hall, New York.
July 9, 2011:
Marian Tropes for string quartet by Charles Wuorinen (73) is performed for the first time, in Portland, Oregon. Also premiered is Finale, Presto for string quartet by John Harbison (72).
August 3, 2011:
It Happens Like This, a cantata for four voices and twelve instruments by Charles Wuorinen (73) to words of Tate is performed for the first time, in Ozawa Hall of Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts.
August 26, 2011:
Etude (for Chords and Dynamic Balance) for piano by Charles Wuorinen (73) is performed for the first time, in Bolzano, Italy.
December 4, 2011:
Big Spinoff for 18 players by Charles Wuorinen (73) is performed for the first time, at Oberlin Conservatory, in Oberlin, Ohio.
December 4, 2011:
Adagio for piano by Charles Wuorinen (73) is performed for the first time, in Rockport, Massachusetts.
July 4, 2013:
Zoe for string sextet by Charles Wuorinen (75) is performed for the first time, in Portland, Oregon.
January 28, 2014:
Brokeback Mountain, an opera by Charles Wuorinen (75) to words of Proulx (after her own short story), is performed for the first time, in Teatro Real, Madrid.
March 8, 2014:
Alphabetical Ashbery for baritone, clarinet/bass clarinet, trumpet, and trombone by Charles Wuorinen (75), to words of Ashbery, is performed for the first time, in Houston.
March 23, 2014:
Intrada for piano by Charles Wuorinen (75) is performed for the first time, in Seligman Performing Arts Center, Detroit.
April 11, 2015:
Megalith for piano and 15 players by Charles Wuorinen (76) is performed for the first time, in Ordway Concert Hall, St. Paul, Minnesota.