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 […]
“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 […]
“It’s a great privilege to bring Omar to San Francisco.” And so notes Matthew Shilvock, General Director of the San Francisco Opera, on the eve of the opera company’s November 5, 2023 performance of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels – and fellow Pulitzer Prize-winning co-composer/librettist Rhiannon Giddens’ – opera, Omar. The work was commissioned by […]
On May 27, 2022, Spoleto Festival USA presents the world premiere of the opera Omar, co-composed by Grammy-winner Rhiannon Giddens, and two-time Emmy nominee and Subito composer Michael Abels. The opera features a libretto written by Giddens; and, the production will be directed by Kaneza Schaal. John Kennedy conducts the eight-member cast (and chorus) which […]
“…There is deep beauty in George Walker’s music that speaks directly and movingly to an orchestra and an audience.” And so, Edward Gardner – principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra – introduces the ensemble’s upcoming UK premiere of George Walker’s Sinfonia No. 5, “Visions.” The performance takes place on March 30, 2022 at Royal […]
“…There is deep beauty in George Walker’s music that speaks directly and movingly to an orchestra and an audience.” And so, Edward Gardner – principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra – introduces the ensemble’s upcoming UK premiere of George Walker’s Sinfonia No. 5, “Visions.” The performance takes place on March 30, 2022 at Royal […]
“Fables are stories that contain a life lesson or a moral.” — Michael Abels On March 12, 2022, Michael Abels joins the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra for a performance of his work Frederick’s Fables, conducted by Stilian Kirov. Scored for narrator and orchestra, the 37-minute, four-movement piece showcases fours texts by celebrated children’s author and illustrator […]
On January 20, 2022, the Baltimore Symphony premieres James Lee III’s Freedom’s Genuine Dawn with spoken word artist Wordsmith. Robert Trevino conducts the concert in Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Co-commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony, Boston Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic, the one-movement, 18-minute work is scored for narrator and orchestra, and features texts by African-American author, […]
“I’ve said before that I want to create bulletproof music.” And so, David Harrington, founder and artistic director of the San Francisco-based Kronos Quartet, shares his vision into the ensemble’s latest commissioned work — At War With Ourselves. Composed by Michael Abels, the evening-length work is scored for narrator, string quartet and chorus, and features […]
On November 14, the Calyx Piano Trio premieres James Lee III’s new 18-minute chamber piece Piano Trio No. 3, “Tones of Clay,” at the Linde Center at the Tanglewood Music Center. Lee comments on his new work. “Piano Trio No. 3 ‘Tones of Clay’ uses the words ‘tones’ and ‘clay’ for two reasons. In my […]
