Wanted: 200 Electric Guitars

Wow! They're trying it again -- assembling 200 guitarists and bassists to participate in a historic performance. Here's the story:

"Last August, volunteer guitarists and bassists from around the world gathered in New York City to rehearse and perform composer Rhys Chatham's "A Crimson Grail", for 200 Electric Guitars (Outdoor Version) as part of Lincoln Center's Out of Doors festival. Owing to severely inclement weather and safety concerns, the performance was canceled, heartbreakingly, at the last minute. A year later, on August 8, 2009, Rhys Chatham and section leaders David Daniell, John King, Seth Olinsky and Ned Sublette will reassemble the oversized orchestra for the long-awaited world premiere of "A Crimson Grail" at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park. Closing out the night will be an exceedingly rare live set from New York City post-punk pioneers Liquid Liquid."

"As with last year, Lincoln Center and Wordless Music are conducting an open call for volunteer guitarists and bassists to join the orchestra for this world premiere performance conducted by the composer. Information about how musicians can apply by June 15 can be found at www.lincolncenter.org/wordlessmusic."

Photograph by Craig S. McKibben