This February, Nancy Galbraith will be honored by her alma mater Ohio University, and her new dance collaboration “Whispers of Light” premieres in Pittsburgh with the Bodiography Contemporary Ballet.
“We are so excited to welcome Nancy back on campus in celebration of her music and career,” notes Dr. Andrew Trachsel, Ohio University Director of Bands and Conductor of the Wind Symphony. When Galbraith entered her freshman year, she was a performance major in both piano and clarinet studies. But at the encouragement of faculty composer Karl Ahrendt, she switched to composition. Traschel continues, “Nancy has had a tremendous impact with her music – played by the finest musicians all over the world – and we have had such a wonderful time with her pieces, filled with incredibly nuanced energy. We are proud of all of her musical achievements and particularly proud to call Nancy Galbraith an alumnus of Ohio University!” On February 14, Galbraith will participate in seminars, rehearsals and lessons, and will also be feted with a Valentine’s Day portrait concert of her wind music: Febris Ver; Danza de los Duendes; with brightness round about it, and Streaming Green. The next day, the composer will receive the Ohio University College of Fine Arts Distinguished Alumnus in Music for 2013.
Galbraith’s “Whispers of Light: A Story of Hope” is a collaboration with choreographer Maria Caruso, founder and artistic director of the Bodiography Contemporary Ballet. Written for chamber ensemble and three treble voices, the one-hour, two-movement ballet is a tribute to The Highmark Caring Place, an advocacy center that champions the cause of grieving children through its supportive, healing system. The ballet’s topical subject explores the grieving process and emotional struggle that children experience when losing a loved one, and is a journey and narrative adapted from the children’s own stories. “Whispers of Light” is a poignant exploration of human loss, the strength to move forward, and the undeniable power of human connection. Thomas Octave conducts the Pittsburgh Festival Orchestra in the world premiere and subsequent performance on February 23.