Mikel Rouse Deposits Hundreds of Digitized Cassette Recordings

On July 15, 2014 Mikel Rouse deposited hundreds of digitized audio cassettes to the Mikel Rouse Archive at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. This deposit is part of Phase Two of a Four Phase plan for deposit. The digitized cassettes cover works and live recordings from 1974 to 1994, including performances by Mikel Rouse Broken Consort, Tirez Tirez and various ensembles. Also included are numerous radio interviews and features on Rouse’s various projects and premieres.

In 2010, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts announced the acquisition of the Mikel Rouse Archive as part of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center’s permanent collection. The archive will include Rouse’s scores, manuscripts, digital media including audio, video, and film material, as well as artwork, sketchbooks, diaries and correspondence.

“The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is honored to have Mikel Rouse’s archive in the collection,” said Jacqueline Z. Davis, Barbara G. and Lawrence A. Fleischman Executive Director for the Performing Arts. “The rich and important work of this wonderfully diverse artist will be available for patrons to study and learn from for years to come.” Speaking with the New York Times, Ms. Davis said, “There’s a lot, but thankfully, not only is he creative, extremely talented and very successful — he’s also organized.” The collection, she explained, is arriving in four waves: analog master tapes; scores, manuscripts and programs; digital media; and, finally, sketchbooks, diaries, contracts, and correspondence.