May 10-13: SPINNING from cellist Maya Beiser, composer Julia Wolfe, visual artist Laurie Olinder at

On May 10-13, Peak Performances at Montclair University presents Spinning, a new evening-length collaboration from composer Julia Wolfe, cellist Maya Beiser, and visual artist Laurie Olinder, with choreography by Netta Yerushalmy and performed by Maya Beiser with cellists Melody Giron and Lavena Johanson.

Culminating a season for works by women, Spinning honors the essential labor of spinning thread – work once performed by hand by women. Music has long been a vital part of the craft — both as a propelling force and as a distraction. To pay homage to the human dignity of this work, Wolfe and Beiser have created a sonic universe for three cellos and voice featuring multimedia projections. In Beiser’s words, “I found in Julia’s music a rare quality — combining folk, rock and classical elements in a distinct and relentless energy. This collaboration is one that has been in our minds for many years, and we are thrilled to now embark on this journey together.”

Performances are:

Thursday, May 10 @ 7:30pm Friday, May 11 @ 7:30 pm Saturday, May 12 @ 8:00 pm Sunday, May 13 @ 3:00 pm

More information and tickets ($20) are available here.

Photo of the projections and set design from a Spinning rehearsal: