Face the Music

“Working with Face the Music was one of the most moving musical experiences I’ve had. The kids were terrific, and watching them throw themselves into this extraordinarily challenging piece and rise to the occasion of performing it was really inspiring.”

– Alan Pierson, Alarm Will Sound Director & Brooklyn Philharmonic Director

“Dealing with Face the Music has been akin to dealing with professionals. Weirdly, it didn't feel that much different than dealing with the Philharmonic.”

– Nico Muhly, composer

Praised for “stunning performances” by The New York Times, Kaufman Center’s Face the Music is an “alt-classical” ensemble of more than 70 astonishingly talented teenagers from in and around New York City. Advancing Kaufman Center’s commitment to modern music, Face the Music provides an unparalleled performance and education experience for the next generation of musical leaders.  The group was founded in 2005 by Special Music School Music Director Jenny Undercofler and composer Huang Ruo.

Under the direction of conductor Dr. Undercofler, Face the Music has played across New York City at venues such as Le Poisson Rouge, El Museo del Barrio, Merkin Hall, the River to River Festival and the Bang On A Can Marathon. The group has been featured on WQXR’s Young Artist Showcase, NPR’s All Things Considered, and played on a live broadcast marking the opening of NY Public Radio’s Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. In 2011, Face the Music was honored with the ASCAP Aaron Copland Award.

Face the Music features middle and high school students from over 20 different New York area schools. Many of the performers are students or alumni of Kaufman Center’s own Special Music School, the only K-8 public school in New York City that integrates pre-conservatory musical training with academic education.

Face the Music Quartets - Face the Music Quartet & Pannonia Quartet
Since 2009-10, Face the Music has maintained two string quartets made up of particularly dedicated and excellent members of the larger ensemble. The quartets have played on regular Face the Music concerts but have also made solo appearances at the Look and Listen Festival and the Cornelia Street Café.  The quartets have collaborated with composers Dan Visconti, Tristan Perich, Alexandra Vrebalov and others, and have played in master classes for David Harrington (Kronos Quartet), Neil Dufallo (ETHEL) and Kenji Bunch (Ne(x)tworks).

For information, call 212 501 3390 or email jundercofler@kaufman-center.org.