University of Florida Performing Arts

To hear an audio sampling of Trio Mediaeval, click play below: 

The premiere of Julia Wolfe’s Steel Hammer was commissioned by Bang on a Can with generous support from Maria and Robert A. Skirnick and Carnegie Hall. 

There will be a post-performance discussion immediately following the performance with members of the company.

Click here to view Text for Julia Wolfe’s Steel Hammer.

Click here to view an updated biography for Julia Wolfe.

Did you know…“Steel Hammer is inspired by my love for the legends and music of Appalachia. Culling from both the music and oral traditions of the region, the piece focuses on the legend of John Henry, immortalized for his race against ‘the machine.’ Wielding a steel hammer he faces the onslaught of the industrial age as his super human strength is challenged in a contest to out dig an engine. With its over 200 versions and myriad of differing details, the tale has been embraced by a wide variety of American communities in the cause and glorification of the worker.” – Composer, Julia Wolfe

Bang on a Can All-Stars will add a chorus of instruments including mountain dulcimers, wooden bones, banjo, steel hammers and more. Trio Mediaeval, with their pure and direct sound, will tell the timeless tale. The result is a fusion of musical worlds that meld to create a new genre of art balladry.

Since its inception in 1987, the Bang on a Can Festival has been discovering exciting performers who have committed their lives to the music of our time. From the outset of the Festival more than 17 years ago, six players in particular kept coming back. They were among the Festival’s finest artists. With these six players the Festival created the Bang on a Can All-Stars.