Sierra: One of the Most Exciting Pieces

“Roberto Sierra’s Concierto Virtual is one of the most exciting pieces I’ve seen in years.” Joel Sachs, music director of the New Juilliard Ensemble, introduces Sierra’s new work on the eve of its January 20 world premiere at Lincoln Center. The premiere is a highlight the 2017 FOCUS! Festival, and is part of this year’s […]

Sierra: A Vibrant Work

On October 21, world renowned saxophonist James Carter joins the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to perform Roberto Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones. Thomas Wilkins guest conducts. Commissioned by the Detroit Symphony, Sierra wrote the 23-minute concerto for Carter who premiered it in 2002 under the baton of then-music director Neeme Järvi. The concerto blends classical and jazz […]

Lee: Unexpected Detours

On April 24, pianist Rochelle Sennet premieres James Lee III’s new Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble with the Morgan State University Symphonic Band. Melvin N. Miles conducts. The four-movement, 22-minute work was written for both Sennet and the university ensemble, and is a continued collaboration with Sennet, who premiered the composers’ Piano Sonata No. […]

Nancy Galbraith

Galbraith: An Obvious Choice

  April 2016 brings three world premieres for Nancy Galbraith. On the 10th, the HoodleBug Brass ensemble joins the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic for the first performance of Galbraith’s Concerto for Brass Quintet and Orchestra. Commissioned by both organizations, the work is a tribute to the city of Pittsburgh and its historic standing in the American […]

Stephen Paulus

Paulus: I Love Performing this Work

“Stephen Paulus’ wonderful Concerto for Two Trumpets is wholly unique in the repertoire.” Trumpet soloist Rex Richardson introduces us to the composer’s work which is featured on the Baton Rouge Symphony’s February 25th American Festival, led by Timothy Muffitt. Trumpeter Brian Shaw joins Richardson for the concert. Richardson continues, “I love performing this work; I’ve […]

Paulus: Wit, Tenderness and Virtuosity

“Stephen Paulus’ music brims with wit, tenderness, and at times, biting virtuosity.” On the eve of the Pacific Symphony’s program “Organ Splendor,” soloist Paul Jacobs offers a glimpse into the composer’s Organ Concerto No. 4, which is featured in concert from February 4 – 6. Music director Carl St. Clair conducts the performances as part […]

Sierra: A Continuous Joy

“For me, it’s a continuous joy to perform [Roberto Sierra’s] Concerto for Saxophones…” On the eve of his German tour, James Carter — world-renowned saxophonist — shares some insight into performing Sierra’s work. Written for Carter, Concerto for Saxophones was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony and premiered in 2002 under the baton of then-music director […]

Paulus: The Music Remains with Us

“As much as we are saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Stephen Paulus, the most important thing to remember is that the music remains with us.” And so, Stephen Culbertson — Subito Music Corporation Founder and CEO — reflects on Paulus’ music, as he prepares to conduct the Society for Musical Arts […]