Composer and music technology expert Anthony De Ritis, chair of the Multimedia Studies program and acting Music department chair, has been making waves after the March debut in Oakland, California, of his new work “Devolution,” billed as a concerto for DJ and orchestra. Reviews dubbed the work “groundbreaking,” “provocative,” and “nothing short of a deconstruction of classical music through technology.” Drawing elements from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 and Ravel’s “Bolero,” the piece also harnesses the talents of conceptual artist, writer, and musician Paul D. Miller, AKA DJ Spooky, who uses a laptop computer, record players, and a mixing board to fashion a new kind of orchestral performance.

In March, Northeastern University Alumni Magazine senior writer Karen Feldscher was given a Grand Award by the 2003 International Mercury Awards for best feature article. The honor recognized “The Play’s the Thing” [March 2003], a profile of professor and playwright Ed Bullins. The Mercury Awards go to work that demonstrates the highest achievement in professional communications, this year chosen from among 900 entries from thirteen countries.

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