James Lee III: “Sukkot” goes to Pittsburgh

On March 22, 2024, the Pittsburgh Symphony presents the regional premiere of James Lee III’s Sukkot Through Orion’s Nebula, conducted by Juanjo Mena (pictured below). The ten-minute orchestral work was commissioned by the Sphinx Organization and premiered in October 2011 at the New World Symphony, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. Lee describes the piece as […]

James Lee III: Truly Unique and Remarkable

“James Lee III’s voice is truly unique and unmistakably his.” And so, Eric Jacobsen – the Orlando Philharmonic’s Music Director – offers some insight into the ensemble’s upcoming February 24, 2024 Florida premiere of Lee’s piano concerto Shades of Unbroken Dreams. The performance showcases soloist Alexandra Dariescu, and Mei-Ann Chen guest-conducts. Shades of Unbroken Dreams […]

James Lee III: Three Outstanding Women

“This is a concerto based on three outstanding women activists.” – James Lee III On January 6, 2024, English horn soloist Darci Gamerl begins her concert programming for the New Year when she joins the Augusta Symphony Orchestra in the premiere of James Lee III’s new concerto Courageous Lights. Dirk Meyer conducts the premiere at […]

James Lee III: Important and Outstanding

“I am so grateful to James Lee III for entrusting me with such an important and outstanding piece of music.” – Alexandra Dariescu On November 9, 2023, pianist Alexandra Dariescu premieres the composer’s new piano concerto Shades of Unbroken Dreams with the Detroit Symphony, led by Fabien Gabel. The three-movement, 34-minute work was commissioned by […]

Lee: “Untranslatable“ at Ravinia

On July 14, 2023, James Lee III’s new work String Quartet No. 3, “Untranslatable” premieres at the Ravinia Festival. The 21-minute work will be performed by Steans Music Institute Fellows. The afternoon concert will take place at Bennett Gordon Hall. Lee shares some insight into this new work. “String Quartet No. 3 ‘Untranslatable’ is inspired […]

Lee: Breaths of Universal Longings

On May 19, 2023, the Cincinatti May Festival Chorus presents the world premiere of James Lee III’s new choral work Breaths of Universal Longings. Commissioned by the Cincinnati May Festival in celebration of its 150th anniversary, the four-movement, 28-minute work is scored for soloists, SATB chorus, SATB youth chorus and orchestra. Music director Juanjo Mena […]

Lee: Visions of Cahokia Premieres

On January 28 and 29 2023, the St. Louis Symphony premieres James Lee III’s newest orchestral work Visions of Cahokia. Commissioned by the orchestra, the 13-minute work is scored for: 2 flutes; 2 oboes; 2 clarinets; 2 bassoons; 4 horns; 3 trumpets; 2 trombones; bass trombone; tuba; timpani; 3 percussion; harp and strings. Stéphane Denève […]

Lee: A Rhapsodic Celebration

“Beyond Sensorial Portals is a rhapsodic orchestral work that can also be summarized with one word — celebration!” And so, composer James Lee III introduces his new work, which premieres on November 12, 2022, performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Music director Eric Jacobsen conducts the 11-minute concert-opener which was commissioned by the orchestra for […]

Lee: Lament.Sing.Arise

On June 4, 2022, the Ritz Chamber Players present the world premiere of James Lee III’s newest chamber work Lament.Sing.Arise in Washington, DC. Commissioned by the The McKim Fund of The Library of Congress, the nine-minute work will be performed by violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins and pianist Terrence Wilson. The concert takes place in Coolidge Auditorium […]

Lee: Lament.Sing.Arise

On June 4, 2022, the Ritz Chamber Players present the world premiere of James Lee III’s newest chamber work Lament.Sing.Arise in Washington, DC. Commissioned by the The McKim Fund of The Library of Congress, the nine-minute work will be performed by violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins and pianist Terrence Wilson. The concert takes place in Coolidge Auditorium […]