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The Oldest Takeout in Queens is a musical celebration of some of the languages spoken in Ridgewood, Queens—the neighborhood I lived in for some twenty years. Set in a fictional restaurant over a hundred-year period, its sole performer is The Singer, the owner of the restaurant who rises to the challenge of learning all the new languages that arrive in the neighborhood. An online streaming version of the piece was presented in late 2020 and can be viewed HERE. A live performance is being planned for the future. The Oldest Takeout in Queens was commissioned by Queens Council on the Arts’ Artist Commissioning Program with support from the Scherman Foundation’s Rosin Fund and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Special thanks to The Endangered Language Alliance.  In 1908 an odd, quiet man named John Sargent returned to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with his new bride, Edith—an eccentric New York socialite who enjoyed sunbathing nude, sitting in trees, and playing the violin—often all at the same time. Edith’s idyllic new life is immediately threatened as she hears rumors that John previously left town bankrupt and is suspected of murdering both his first wife and his business partner.
Based on a true story, composer Matthew Schickele’s chamber opera Marymere uses the talents of classical and folk musicians to portray an unusual couple escaping to America’s last frontier, but unable to escape the past. More info, and video clips, here: Marymere Here's The American Opera Project page for the opera. Here are video excerpts of previous concert productions. For scored and such, contact me.
Shortlist of Chamber Music by Matthew Schickele:
Years back, in the early days of podcasting, my wife and I hosted the podcast “Scopes Monkey Choir,” about the intersection of sound, music, and science. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. (Alas, it has long been removed from any podcast sources)
Beekeeper —now called BeekeeperNYC due to other bands using the same name—was an indie rock trio in the '90s. Matthew Schickele, guitar and voice; Karla Schickele, bass and voice; Jan Kotik, drums (RIP). We released Light (cassette, out of print), a 7" split-single with Ida (out of print), "Pineapple Lady," a 7" inch single (out of print—and seriously, don't try to find it, it's not good (except the cover, which is excellent and by Corin See)), Anywhere Will Do (EP), and Ostrich. After Jan's death we also released a collection of alternate takes and unreleased recordings called Last & First to raise money for his family.
Solo. Releases as a singer songwriter, recorded off and on since the 90s, are (mostly) available at my Bandcamp (and all the usual streaming services). https://matthewschickele.bandcamp.com/music The Smokers was a recording project from 1999-2001 with Billy Dechand, David DeMallie, Matt Kaden, Matthew Schickele, and Matt Sutton. Currently unavailable, alas. In the 90s I ran a small record label called Muss My Hair. All the releases are out of print, and the only remnant of it on the web is here. there's other stuff i want to put here but at the moment I'm bored so off i go Recent fiction:
”’My Legs Can Fell Trees’ and Other Songs for a Hungry Raptor” in Diabolical Plots "Robin, The Ass, and Danny23" in Triangulation "Gai Gai (Chicken Machine)" in Asymmetry "The Men Who Bury Themselves" in Unrealpolitik Most of my albums are available on Bandcamp, and if possible it’s preferable you listen/purchase there.
And mostly everything is available through your favorite streaming service, including: Here's a PDF of some of the music I've written for the Great Highland Bagpipe. Free to download and enjoy (all I ask is that you please credit me when they are performed or shared, thanks).
mschickele-pipes_in_ny2.pdf |