Mercury Soul

MASON BATES, who appears as DJ MASONIC at Mezzanine, 111 Minna, Temple and various other clubs and lounges around San Francisco, is simultaneously establishing himself as one of the most sought-after composers of his generation.

Recently named composer-in-residence with The California Symphony, he will make his Carnegie Hall debut with The National Symphony one week after the February 1st event at Mezzanine. He mounted the first installment of Mercury Soul with members of The Berlin Philharmonic in that city's famed club Volksbühne in 2005. "Club goers are listening to a special kind of music — electronica — that focuses predominantly on texture and rhythm, since techno rarely includes lyric-driven vocal lines," he says. "This makes the ears of clubbers well-primed for the textures and intricacies of classical music, despite the vast gulf between the concert hall and the club."

ANNE PATTERSON works with groups ranging from The Philadelphia Orchestra to The Brooklyn Philharmonic in creating a unique and beautiful visual element to complement their concerts.

"My ever-changing installations will highlight the inherent theatricality in live music, whether classical or electronica," says Patterson, "and visually guide the audience's focus through an evening of varied music."