“A sound/composition [like] you’re never experienced…[with a] new, exciting, almost-philosophical text.” – Becca Hart, Minnesota Playlist The beauty and complexity of being alive are woven into the sensuous fabric of Nature Creature, a compelling new vocal work by versatile composer and pianist Elizabeth Alexander. Composed over a ten-year period for dynamic vocalist Ruth MacKenzie, this dramatic showpiece taps into the folk and jazz styles for which this beloved singer is celebrated, along with unique musical expressions best described as passionate, sweet, wry and tender. Rounding out this unique collaboration is cellist Jacqueline Ultan, offering a rich, genre-defying dimension to this trio of musicians. With words by seven luminous writers – Louise Erdrich, George Ella Lyon, A. R. Ammons, Nancy White, Lilian Moore, David Ignatow and the mystic Hafiz – Nature Creature embraces our brief, glorious time on earth, with all its discovery, contradiction, heartbreak and joy. Artist Bios: Elizabeth Alexander's love of music, language and challenging questions is reflected in her catalogue of over 100 songs and choral works, and a style which moves effortlessly between concert stage, choir loft and jam session. Her music has been performed by orchestras, chamber ensembles, vocalists, and thousands of choirs worldwide. She has received awards and fellowships from the McKnight Foundation, Jerome Foundation, New Music USA, Minnesota State Arts Board, New York Council on the Arts, Wisconsin Arts Board, American Composers Forum and National Orchestral Association. Her frequent commissions include works for choir, voice, chamber ensemble and orchestra. She is currently working on a new work for music theater. Ruth MacKenzie is an artist whose compass has taken her in many creative directions. She has performed concerts throughout the United States and the Nordic countries. She is best known for her many creations of theatrical works, including being composer/playwright of "Kalevala: Dream of the Salmon Maiden" (produced at the Guthrie Theater) and "The Snow Queen" (produced at Children's Theatre Company). Ruth's many awards include two McKnight Fellowships. Jacqueline Ultan is a cellist, composer and improviser with a singularly creative voice, whose unique versatility is reflected in the diversity of her many artistic collaborations. Her unique versatility as a cellist, composer and collaborator has put her in demand among some of the world’s foremost artists in new and creative music, including The JAYHAWKS new 2011 release Mockingbird Time, DAN WILSON, E. Carlos Nakai, Anthony Cox, The New Standards, Huun Hur Tu, Kevin Kling, British pianist and composer Tony Hymas, and French artists, songwriter/bassist Imbert Imbert and cellist Didier Petit. Jacqueline currently performs and composes in four unique and acclaimed projects: Saltee, Jelloslave, Starfolk, and Antigravity. She has received awards and grants from MacPhail Center for Music, Minnesota Regional Arts Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, and American Composer's Forum. Jacqueline holds a Master's Degree in performance from Yale University.