Ossia Finds Oasis in Desert Music

Eastman's student-run new music group has received an ovation of sorts from one of the giants of modern classical music.

The group Ossia presented the debut of its version of Steve Reich's The Desert Music at Columbia University last spring.

Originally composed in 1984 for a full orchestra, Reich later redrafted the work for a chamber orchestra and 10 singers. Ossia's version integrates the instrumental force of the original with the chamber variation.

"We're excited to have been able to work with Reich, who reviewed and approved our ideas for this new instrumentation," says Ossia member Gavin Chuck.

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