Although Beethoven and Radiohead aren’t usually found on the same music rack, one local composer thinks maybe they ought to be.

David Biedenbender, composer-in-residence for the local chamber orchestra Vivo Sinfonietta, is preparing to unveil an original composition, Winter Sunset, during an upcoming concert on April 17.

“With so many recordings of so many different types of music being readily available, musicians can pull inspiration from almost any period in history,” said Biedenbender. “Although I am writing for classical instruments, I often find inspiration in very diverse musical influences, from Beethoven to Radiohead, Baroque to jazz.”

Biedenbender joined Vivo a little over a year ago, as he was finishing a Master’s degree in Music Composition at the University of Michigan. As composer-in-residence during the 2009-2010 season, Biedenbender has found it inspiring to interact with the audience and the musicians while composing his new piece.

“Having the opportunity to interact with the musicians for which I am writing throughout the concert season makes it much easier for me to imagine what the piece will sound like while I’m composing it - it will be great to experience the piece live for the first time on April 17.”

Biedenbender’s Winter Sunset was inspired by the poetry of the famous American poet William Carlos Williams and will feature award winning soprano Amy Petrongelli.

“Williams’ poetry is so visual. My intent is that the music will capture the imagery of the poetry — glassy and cold, colorful and rich,” said Biedenbender. “The piece is written specifically for Vivo and Amy Petrongelli… I think the piece will complement her voice well — I am very fortunate to be collaborating with such a talented musician.”

Petrongelli, currently a master’s student at the University of Michigan, has performed in numerous opera productions including The Magic Flute, Gianni Schicchi and Armide, and has recently added the prestigious 2010 U-M Friends of the Opera award to her extensive list of accomplishments.

During her performance of Winter Sunset, Petrongelli will sing the lines of the Williams’ poems set to music. Petrongelli will also be featured in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s virtuosic and beautiful solo motet Exsultate, jubilate.

“For me, this wonderful poetry evokes many images that are very inspiring musically,” said Biedenbender. “I am looking forward to sharing this poetry through music with the audience, and I am honored to be working with such talented musicians in such a beautiful space — it should be a great concert!”

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Vivo Sinfonietta, will perform on Saturday, April 17 at 7 p.m. at University Lutheran Chapel (1511 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor)

This event will feature the World Premiere of Winter Sunset for solo soprano and chamber orchestra by Vivo Sinfonietta’s Composer in Residence David Biedenbender.

The concert will also include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate and his famous Serenade No. 13 for Strings — Eine kleine Nachtmusik (“A Little Night Music”), as well as Felix Mendelssohn’s Sinfonia for strings No. 1 in C major.

Following the concert, guests are invited to attend an afterglow and Q&A session with conductor Brett Koval Luginbill, Composer-in-Residence David Biedenbeder and soloist Amy Petrongelli. Refreshments will be served.

Concert Tickets: $15 or $5  for students
Tickets are available at the door the night of the event, or in advance at The Common Cup Coffeehouse (located in the lower level of University Lutheran Chapel, 1511 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor)

For additional information go to: www.vivoa2.org.

Carly Parker is the Communications Coordinator for St. Luke Lutheran Church and its affiliated sites, including the Common Cup a full-service coffeehouse located in the lower level of University Lutheran Chapel.