Ensemble Pi is pleased to announce Banned Books, presented by the Music & Recorded Sound Division at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Banned Books is an evening-length performance of six premieres commissioned by Ensemble Pi in response to recent U.S. bills, which ban books or curtail the discussion of critical race theory, LGBTQ+ issues, antisemitism and other disputed topics in public schools and libraries. Taking inspiration from New York Times bestselling author Azar Nafisi’s Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times – a galvanizing guide to literature as an act of resistance – the concert aims to draw awareness to these oppressive practices while opening a space through music for reflection and connection. A diverse group of composers were asked to create pieces influenced by a particular banned book that resonated with them. The concert will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the composers about their work and featured books.

Ensemble Pi’s Banned Books will take place on Monday, May 15 from 6 to 7:30 pm. The Music and Recorded Sound Division at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is located at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza, NYC (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th). This event is free; however, registration is required.

40 Lincoln Center Plaza Map
917-275-6975