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The members of the chamber music collective Decoda sit in a semi-circle performing in the Olivier Music Barn at Tippet Rise Art Center.

Decoda releases debut album, recorded at Tippet Rise

May 10, 2024

Today marks the release of the debut album by chamber music collective Decoda, a self-titled record marking their 10th anniversary as an ensemble.

Recorded in residency at Tippet Rise in January 2023, the album DECODA features the world premiere recording of Revelry by Valerie Coleman, original arrangements of Three Rags by William Bolcom, and Reza Vali’s captivating duo, Folk Songs (Set No. 9). Together, these works reflect the human desire to connect through revelry and celebration. Insights into each of these works are available in a special program book, written by members of Decoda and composers Coleman and Vali.

In addition to the album recording, Decoda created a performance film in the Olivier Music Barn of Revelry, available to watch on the Tippet Rise website and YouTube page. Coleman’s two-movement Revelry is a central work for the ensemble, which was originally commissioned for Decoda by Carnegie Hall, and premiered there by the ensemble in 2018.

Tippet Rise was honored to host members of Decoda at the art center for what proved to be an inspiring and collaborative recording session – all amidst the backdrop of a major winter snowstorm. During their time in Montana, Decoda also engaged with regional students, performing an interactive concert at Absarokee High School for grades 4th through 12th.

As an artist-led collective, Decoda seeks to create a more compassionate and connected world through music. By thoughtfully curating outstanding performances of live chamber music and facilitating creative community projects, the ensemble strives to inspire the next generation of musical artists to rethink and reimagine their role in society.

Members of Decoda featured in this recording include flutist Catherine Gregory, clarinetist Moran Katz, bassoonist Brad Balliett, violinist Clara Lyon, violist Nathan Schram, cellist Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir, and pianist David Kaplan.

In addition to the all-star musicians, we are grateful for the contributions of many individuals who helped to create this album, including producers David Sabee and Dimitriy and Alexander Lipay, and Tippet Rise’s own sound engineering and recording team Monte Nickles and Jim Ruberto, filmmaker Kevin Richey, as well Rhema Mangus, Pedja Mužijević, Michael Toia, Lindsey Hinmon, Pete Hinmon, and Melissa Moore.

DECODA is available for purchase through Bright Shiny Things, or available to listen to on all major streaming platforms, as well as the Tippet Rise website.

Thank you, Decoda, for sharing the opportunity to create your first-ever album with Tippet Rise!