1963
August 6. Concert of Dance No. 11. Gramercy Arts Theatre. Ensemble: MN, Philip Corner, Harry Diakoff, Malcolm Goldstein, Annette Mendel, Dorthy Moskoowitz. Work(s): Joseph Byrd, Animals (1961). N.B. Music for dance by Susan Kaufman, Animals (1963). Organized by Herbert Semmel. See Judson Memorial Church Archive. Box 3, Folder 42.
On August 6, 1963, Max Neuhaus performed in Concert of Dance No. 11 at the Gramercy Arts Theatre in New York City. This event was a significant extension of the Judson Dance Theater performances typically held at Judson Memorial Church.
Performance Details
- The ensemble performed Joseph Byrd’s Animals (1961). This composition served as the musical score for a dance piece titled Animals (1963) choreographed by Susan Kaufman.
- Neuhaus (percussion) was part of a high-calibre experimental group including:
- Philip Corner (composer and Fluxus co-founder)
- Malcolm Goldstein (violinist/composer)
- Dorothy Moskowitz (later the lead singer of )
- Harry Diakoff and Annette Mendel.
- Organizer: The evening was organized by Herbert Semmel, a key figure in managing the off-site Judson performances.
Historical Significance
This performance highlights the close-knit collaboration between New York’s avant-garde musicians and the postmodern dance movement. For Neuhaus, working with Joseph Byrd—who was exploring indeterminate and "minimal" structures—provided a conceptual bridge toward his own future explorations of sound as a physical presence rather than a musical event.