It will be wonderful to welcome the incomparable Gamin back to New York in May! She’ll join ETHEL in the New York premiere (and deuxieme) of MUDANG, which I composed for them last year. Her piri – a traditional oboe whose simplicity belies its subtlety and power – took me on a creative journey of true discovery. She’ll play it on a program combining new works composed for her with traditional works for piri as well as saenghwang, a fascinating mouth organ. May 2 at Spectrum, May 7 at Korea Society. Definitely worth hearing!
Read more →In mid-February, I’ll have a couple days’ residency at alma mater Harvard to get together with grad and undergrad students who are composing and/or interested in education or arts administration. I’m thrilled that my artistic side will get a little play with the premiere of an a cappella anthem I composed for the occasion. “There Is a New Creation” will be heard in the Appleton Chapel during morning prayers, 8:45 February 11. See you there!
Read more →In the year 2014, three wonderful young artists – Jenny Q Chai, Gamin, Yoonie Han – stretched my music in new ways through the brilliance of their talents. While I composed nothing orchestral (since my Violin Concerto “Katrina” of 2011) I laid the groundwork for a new orchestra score for 2015. And on the last day of 2014, I completed a short, sweet a cappella choral setting, appropriately enough titled “There Is a New Creation.” A sweet year indeed, with lots to look forward to in 2015!
Read more →Last year, I composed El Jaleo for pianist Yoonie Han, who has played it dozens of times since. Recently, I went on a little pilgrimage to see the original El Jaleo – the masterpiece in oils by John Singer Sargent, in its home at the Gardner Museum in Boston. The only painting in the Spanish Cloister – it does not disappoint! There’s even a mirror to the side doubling its 10’x7′ expanse. I also like the concert hall there! http://www.gardnermuseum.org/collection/browse?filter=room%3A1796
Read more →So! Haute pianista Jenny Q. Chai is off to Havana to play my JUMP – composed for her. But her October 7 recital at the Festival Leo Brouwer is only the beginning. She’ll then bring it to audiences in California and Belgium. I hope they’re ready for this!
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