Mary Ellen Childs has been one of the more active collaborators to create music with Relache Ensemble. The first of her compositions for Relache, “Parterre” became a prominent part of Relache’s touring program. It was recorded for the Minnesota Composers forum label. (You can hear it on Episode 18, Music in Motion Part Two.) The featured composition ion this episode is titled “Carte Blanche.” It was commissioned by Relache with funds from Champaigne Taittinger. The concert premier in New York and Philadelphia was part of the “Taittinger Evening of American Music.” The project was created by Drew Keegan, then the Director of Marketing for Relache. In addition to a complete recorded performance you will hear conversations with Mary Ellen and Drew about their work over the years with the Relache Ensemble.
Episode Twenty Two
Mary Ellen Childs
Jun 23, 2025

The Relache Chronicles
THE RELACHE CHRONICLES is a podcast about musicians residing in what we call “the Margins of American Music.” In these 30-to-45-minute episodes, we play recordings – primarily by The Relache Ensemble – of complete musical works and have kitchen table conversations with composers, performers, and others with insight to the music. “Relâche is sort of the New York Philharmonic of truly creative music. They stand alone.” — Kyle Gann
THE RELACHE CHRONICLES is a podcast about musicians residing in what we call “the Margins of American Music.” In these 30-to-45-minute episodes, we play recordings – primarily by The Relache Ensemble – of complete musical works and have kitchen table conversations with composers, performers, and others with insight to the music. “Relâche is sort of the New York Philharmonic of truly creative music. They stand alone.” — Kyle GannListen on
Substack App
Spotify
RSS Feed
Recent Episodes
Share this post