Waterfront is a multimedia composition for octophonic sound and mixed quintet by Sam Friedman, which explores the fragile and ever-evolving relationship between living beings and the bodies of water they live near. The works takes field recordings of ten locations by the water in New York City, each with their own sonic palettes and environmental characteristics, and splices, reorganizes, and mutates them until they are no longer recognizable. The instrumentalists, consisting of bass clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, trumpet, acoustic guitar, and found percussion, sound out scattered throughout the space. We invite the audience to consider and reflect upon the impact we have on these bodies of water, and vice versa.
Featuring:
Tommy Shermulis, bass clarinet
Ryan Ghassemi, bassoon
Grace Pressley, tenor saxophone
Sam Friedman, trumpet
This event is made possible in part with public funds from the Queens Arts Fund, a re-grant program supported by New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts. Waterfront was also supported by New Music USA’s Creator Fund in 2025-26.
