1964
Ensemble: Nancy Killmer(soprano); Paula Robison (flute); Philip West (English horn); Ralph Froelich (French horn); Henry Nowak, (trumpet); James Thompson, (trombone); Jay McCallister, (tuba); MN (percussion); Gilbert Kalish (celesta); Robert Sylvester, (violoncello); David Walter (bass); Arthur Wesiberg (conductor). Work(s): Morton Feldman, Rabbi Akiba . Premiere. March 6. Hunter College Playhouse. Hunter College. NYC Work(s): Karlheinz Stockhausen, Zyklus; Kontakte; Klavierstuck IX. Unconfirmed.
In 1964, Max Neuhaus was a central figure in two high-profile events in the New York City avant-garde scene: a world premiere by Morton Feldman and a significant (though partially unconfirmed) Stockhausen showcase.
February 23, 1964: "Music in Our Time"
This concert at the Kaufmann Concert Hall (92nd Street Y) was part of the influential "Music in Our Time" series directed by Max Pollikoff.
World Premiere: The ensemble performed the debut of Morton Feldman's Rabbi Akiba (1963).
Conducted by Arthur Weisberg, the group featured a notable roster including Gilbert Kalish and Paula Robison.
As the percussionist, Neuhaus navigated Feldman's signature "graph" notation, which required a high degree of sensitivity to silence and soft dynamics—a stark contrast to the high-volume feedback works he would soon champion.
Source Verification: Details of this premiere are archived in the Morton Feldman Page and historical programs of the 92nd Street Y.
March 6. Hunter College Playhouse. Hunter College. NYC Work(s): Karlheinz Stockhausen, Zyklus; Kontakte; Klavierstuck IX. Unconfirmed.