Theremin Society
began in autumn 2005 after a series of conversations at Issue Project
Room in Brooklyn, New York with artistic director Suzanne Fiol,
thereminist Anthony Ptak, co-curator Dorit Chrysler and the remaining
original society members Armen Ra, Rob Schwimmer, and David Simons. The first
Theremin Society concert event was held on December 2nd, 2005 at 8pm. There
was a large audience for this inaugural event consisting of solo performances
by David Simons, Rob Schwimmer, Dorit Chrysler, Armen Ra, Anthony Ptak, and a
group improvisation performance. Sound engineering was provided by Stephan
Moore.The second New York Theremin Society concert event was February 4th, 2006 at Issue Project Room. Theremin performances were given by Pamelia Kurstin, Michael Evans, Dorit Chrysler, Dave Simons, Armen Ra, and Anthony Ptak. This concert was sold out. Many people were turned away.
The third New York Theremin Society concert event was April 8th, 2006 at Issue Project Room. The nine theremin performers included Jon Bernhardt, Elizabeth Brown, Dorit Chrysler, Michael Evans, Anthony Ptak, Armen Ra, Rob Schwimmer, Jen Hammaker, and David Simons. A theremin summit discussion panel proceeded in the afternoon on April 9th with several of the participants. The perfomance was sold out, although the panel was sparsely attended. A film crew was on hand for both events. Paste Magazine photographed this concert.
The fourth New York Theremin Society concert event was on February 24, 2007 at Issue Project Room. Thereminists included Elizabeth Brown, Dorit Chrysler, Rob Schwimmer, Michael Evans, Anthony Ptak, David Simons. This concert was configured as duos as part of BAM Brooklyn Academy of Music Brooklyn Next Festival. Duos were configured as follows: Elizabeth Brown with Stefanie Skaff, Dorit Chrysler and Rob Schwimmer, Michael Evans with Andrea Parkins, Anthony Ptak with Nicolas Collins, David Simons with Lisa Karrer.
