from the article, "Musica Nova exhibits student compositions" (3/3/05)

"Brad Lubman conducted Musica Nova this week in a thrilling concert of student compositions in Kilbourn Hall on Feb. 28. Featured on the program were works by senior Zach Wadsworth, graduate student Marco Alunno, senior Daniel Pesca and graduate student Vera Ivanova. Wadsworth composed "Venus and Adonis" on William Shakespeare's text, as adapted by Gretchen Snedeker. The work is an evocative mixture of old and new. Elements of the ensemble and chorus were inspired by tradition. Wadsworth set his work with a Greek chorus singing the stage directions and narrative in order to include text that would otherwise be acted out. Wadsworth imitates Renaissance and Baroque styles but uses modern instruments that are reminiscent of their older counterparts. 'By conjuring the sounds of early dance music, choral music, and opera, the ensemble places ancient textures in a modern context,' Wadsworth said. Wadsworth has a beautiful appreciation for the dramatic flow of the work, but also in his setting of individual words and phrases. He is at home writing vocal music and has worked with the soloists before. He had a wonderful grasp of the vocalists' strengths as performers. Both senior Annamarie Zmolek and junior Zach Wilder sang remarkably and had an elegant stage presence."

— Abby Aresty