The next generation of composers embraces pop culture at a weekend festival

Aside from being indispensable, what do Bj�rk, The Economist, and our own Gavin Borchert have in common? They�re all fans of Alex Ross� book The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century, a simultaneously sprawling and intimate look at modern music. Ross, The New Yorker�s music critic since 1996, recently nabbed a National Book Critics Circle Award nomination in its criticism category--the man is in a league of his own when making music come alive. For On the Boards� "Icebreaker IV: The American Future" festival, Ross will give a half-hour discussion of his book (4:15 p.m. Friday), then will comment (at 7 p.m.) on the "World in Collision" program he personally curated, which includes five world premieres. "I�m hoping this program will give a sense of the vibrant, hopeful new energy among younger classical composers. They�re a diverse bunch," says Ross; "some have returned to familiar tonal sounds, others are carrying on the tradition of modernist experiment, many are engaging with pop music and pop culture. The last element is especially prominent in this group. Mason Bates works part-time as an avant DJ, Nico Muhly has done arranging for Bj�rk, Judd Greenstein grew up writing hip-hop beats, Alexandra Gardner and Anna Clyne are well versed in digital technology." In other words, he�ll enable a heightened appreciation of the ear candy to follow. Kyle Gann hosts the Saturday night concert, including music by Janice Giteck, John Luther Adams, himself, and others, and Sunday (at the Seattle Art Museum) is devoted to Morton Feldman, with discussion by Ross and Gann from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and a marathon of eight Feldman pieces from 1:30-5 p.m. On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St., 217-9888. 8 p.m. concerts $20, other events free. See www.ontheboards.org for the full schedule Friday and Saturday, and www.seattlechamberplayers.org for info about Sunday. KARLA STARR