Livewire 16 — newRUCKUS and the Zohn Collective: Coming Together

The second night of the Livewire 16 new music festival brings together UMBC’s new RUCKUS ensemble and the Zohn Collective for *Coming Together*. Narrated by Nigel Semaj, an assistant professor of theatre, the program explores contemporary music through works by Raven Chacon, Steve Reich, and Frederic Rzewski.

The evening includes Chacon’s * (Bury Me) Where The Lightning [Will] Never Find Me* (2019), Reich’s *Double Sextet* (2007), and Rzewski’s *Coming Together* (1971). A pre-concert talk begins at 7 p.m., before the 7:30 performance.

new RUCKUS is UMBC’s contemporary music ensemble in residence. It supports innovative artists and emerging composers through commissions, collaborations, student mentorship, and performances connected to UMBC’s Certificate in American Contemporary Music. The ensemble also co-hosts the annual Livewire Festival, which presents guest artists and ensembles from around the world.

The Zohn Collective is a nine-member contemporary art music ensemble whose members include performers and composers. The collective has recorded for New Focus Records, Oberlin Music, and Albany Records, and has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, New Music USA, the Ditson Fund, and the Paul Judy Center for Innovation and Research. Its past appearances include Mexico’s Festival Cultural de Mayo, Germany’s Tag der Neuen Musik Festival, the Cleveland Museum of Art, International House at the University of Chicago, and universities and conservatories across the United States.

When: Friday, October 23, 2026

Showtimes: Pre-concert talk at 7 p.m.; performance from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets: $15 general admission; $10 seniors; $5 students. Seat reservations are available through the event’s ticketing link.

Program: Raven Chacon, * (Bury Me) Where The Lightning [Will] Never Find Me* (2019); Steve Reich, *Double Sextet* (2007); and Frederic Rzewski, *Coming Together* (1971).

Performers: new RUCKUS and the Zohn Collective, with narrator Nigel Semaj.

Run time: One hour.

Venue: Earl and Darielle Linehan Concert Hall, located in UMBC’s Performing Arts and Humanities Building.

Format: In-person event.

Parking: Free parking is available. Directions and parking information are provided through the venue.

Support: The event is supported in part by the Arts+ initiative.