House on Fire, a Contemporary Music Trio, Gives World Premiere at Sierra Madre Playhouse, 8/17

House on Fire, a bold and adventurous new music ensemble formed by pianists and composers Wells Leng, Richard An, and Andrew Anderson, spins its musical magic with a vibrant mix of contemporary works for toy pianos, speaker cones, twigs, and more on Sunday, August 17, 2025, 7:30 pm, at Sierra Madre Playhouse. The ensemble incorporates intimate chamber textures and theatrical, tech-forward experiments with layered keyboards, fixed media, click tracks, and unexpected objects like turntables and wooden frog instruments—all staged with thoughtful lighting and visual design to enhance the immersive experience.

Concert highlights include the world premiere of Carolyn Chen’s Light a Lamp, commissioned by House on Fire; Thomas Meadowcroft’s large-scale work Walkman Antiquarian; pieces written by ensemble members Leng and An; and performances by guest musicians Élise Roy on flute and Kevin Good on percussion. Tristan Perich’s qsqsqsqsqqqqqqqqq, composed in 2009 for three toy pianos and 9-channel 1-bit tones, opens the program.

Some pieces invite tight synchronization between live players and electronic elements; others unfold in visually playful configurations. One moment might center on a dramatic solo gesture, the next might invite audience participation with trinkets, bells, or chirping frogs.

For tickets ($12-$35) and information, please call 626.355.4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.