“….The sky became black as all the magpies and crows on earth flew off toward the Silvery River. With their wings spread wide, the birds formed a bridge across the river. When Kyonu and Chiknyo realized what the birds had done, they stopped crying and rushed to each other across the feathery bridge. They held […]
Chris Miller
“First” Thoughts about Roberto Sierra
“When Chatter considered presenting a special concert in celebration of the statehood of New Mexico, Roberto Sierra was the first thought of everyone around the table!” And so, Pamela Michaelis of Chatter 20-21 Ensemble (and president of Ensemble Music New Mexico) introduces us to Sierra’s newest chamber work Caprichos. Scored for Pierrot ensemble (flute, clarinet, […]
Moravec “Upsparkles” in Texas
From October 16 – 20, the 2012 San Antonio International Piano Competition hosts the first performances of Paul Moravec’s new piano work Upsparkles. Upsparkles is a five-minute piece which was commissioned by the competition, and serves as this year’s featured new work that will be performed by the contestants. Moravec notes that Upsparkles was inspired […]
Primiani’s 14 Day Challenge
UPDATE: After the Left Coast Chamber Players fall 2012 premiere of Leanna Primiani’s Holy Order: Shaker Dances, the work won the West-Coast division of the Rapido!® A 14-Day Composition Contest. On January 21, 2013, the work was performed by the Atlanta Chamber Players in the concert finals and received the “Audience Favorite” Award. If you […]
DBR’s “Club Dance”: Music is a Living Art
Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) begins his 2012-13 season with a new project—“The Collide,” created in collaboration with North Carolina-native singer-songwriter Laurelyn Dossett. Sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council’s Connecting Crossroads inNorth Carolina project, “The Collide” is a multi-partner commission that included a two-year residency dedicated to creating new works based on studying the uniqueness […]
Locklair’s Gorgeous Harmonies
On September 9, Dan Locklair’s From the rising of the sun… receives its world premiere in Atlanta at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church (UMC). The six-minute work for brass quartet, percussion, and organ was commissioned by the church to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its large sanctuary which houses two unique and extraordinary organs built […]
Primiani’s Evocative New Piece
You know the saying: “when in Vegas….” Well, there’s a Leanna Primiani premiere in Las Vegas, and we’re talking! On August 9th, Primiani’s new flute piece The Black Swan premieres at the 2012 National Flute Association Convention (NFA). A flutist herself, Primiani was commissioned by the NFA for its annual High School Soloist Competition for […]
Zaimont: Prize Winner!
Judith Lang Zaimont begins the summer music season with a world premiere, and three (!) distinctions for her music. On July 19, the Camerata Bern offers the first performance of Zaimont’s new JoyDance in Spring. Commissioned by the ensemble for its “Encores” project to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the new work is scored for a […]
Sierra’s Maximum Audience Appeal!
It’s summertime! And, if you’re heading to “Music City,” don’t miss the Nashville Symphony’s July 6th premiere of Roberto Sierra’s Concierto para Órgano y Orquesta (Concerto for Organ & Orchestra) at the 2012 American Guild of Organists (AGO) National Convention. Commissioned by the AGO, the new organ concerto was written for soloist Todd Wilson, and […]
Moravec’s Explosive Energy
On July 21, Paul Moravec’s new Piano Quartet receives its world premiere at Garth Newel Music Center inWarm Springs,VA. Commissioned by Garth Newel, the four-movement, 20-minute work will be performed by the Center’s resident ensemble—the Garth Newel Piano Quartet. Moravec will attend the premiere and will interact with audience members during an informal pre-concert talk. […]