Music Center mourns
the passing of Merce Cunningham

Merce Cunningham and Renae Williams Niles in 2005. Photo by Howard Pasamanick

It is with great sorrow and difficulty that I share with you the passing of Merce Cunningham. The world has lost an absolute genius, who passed at the age of 90 in his Manhattan home yesterday (Sunday July 26). Much has and will continue to be said and written about Merce who was an undeniable pioneer and helped shape contemporary dance as we know it.

Merce's company had its Music Center debut in 2005 at the Ahmanson Theatre. Performances included "Split Sides," with music by Radiohead and Sigur Rós, which was co-commissioned by the Music Center. The work also featured Merce's infamous chance operations with a daily roll of dice to determine the sequence of choreography, sets, costumes and music. For many, this was their first unforgettable Merce experience that I continue to receive praise about even today. For me it continues to be a treasured memory of time spent with a living legend. During that engagement, I had the pleasure to arrange and accompany Merce on a tour of Disney Hall and he was immediately taken with the space. It was then that we knew the two icons would "meet" again and plans began for a future presentation. Our June 2010 engagement with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in Walt Disney Concert Hall will take place as a tribute to Merce's legacy.

The Music Center, along with the entire world, grieves the loss of this irreplaceable legend.

- Renae Williams Niles, Director of Dance Presentations

Step-by-step guide to dance: Merce Cunningham
www.guardian.co.uk
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