NOW! Concert series keeps chamber music alive

MILLERTON — On Saturday, Sept. 24, the NorthEast-Millerton Library Annex will host a NOW! Concert featuring music composed by Cheng-Chia “Tasia” Wu and performed by the Prometheus Ensemble.The concert will include the world premiere of the composition written by Wu that was commissioned especially for this performance.Wu said that the new piece will challenge the audience to listen in a new way to its nontraditional harmonies.While composing the piece, Wu said she paid close attention to make sure that all parts would be equally fun to play for each musician because the musician’s enjoyment impacts the audience’s enjoyment. No instrument was given only the harmony line of the composition.Wu, who was born in Taiwan, has won several awards and honors for her work. She has had pieces commissioned by the Foundation for Chinese Performing Arts in Boston and by the Berkshire Children’s Chorus in Sheffield, Mass.Wu has taught at Simon’s Rock College and is currently teaching at the Berkshire School.According to the website, the goal of the NOW! Concert Series, which is currently in its second season, “is to present an exciting mix of music being written, both today and in the 20th century.”Tickets to the performances cost $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased on the concert series website (www.nowconcerts.org), at Little Gates Wine Merchants (34 Main St., Millerton), at Kamilla’s Floral Boutique (36 Main St., Millerton) or at the door.The concert begins at 2 p.m. and will last roughly two hours. There is no reserved seating.The Annex is located in Millerton at 28 Century Blvd., next door to the firehouse.The third concert of the season will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22, and will feature electronic music.