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 […]

Sierra: Keeps Me On My Toes

“Roberto Sierra’s music keeps me on my toes!” On March 17, 2023, pianist Marc Peloquin presents a composer portrait concert called “Celebrating Roberto Sierra” at the Bloomingdale School of Music in New York City. Peloquin’s program highlights Sierra as “one of the most important composers of our time,” and features works for solo piano that […]

Sierra: Salseando in the US

On February 17, 2023, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra presents the US premiere of Roberto Sierra’s trumpet concerto Salseando, featuring soloist Pacho Flores. Manuel Hernández-Silva conducts. The three-movement, 18-minute work – with improvisation – was written for Flores, and was commissioned and premiered by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Domingo Hindoyan led the world premiere in […]

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 […]

Galbraith: A Terrific Work

“[The] Seattle Collaborative Orchestra is thrilled to be performing Nancy Galbraith’s terrific work, Euphonic Blues.” So enthuses Anna Edwards – music director of the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra – on the eve of the ensemble’s November 15 performance of Galbraith’s work, at the Shoreline Center Auditorium in Shoreline, WA. The one-movement, ten-minute work premiered in September […]

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 […]

Abels: “Borders” Premieres

On September 23, 2022, soloist Mak Grgić, premieres composer Michael Abels’ Borders, Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra, with ROCO (River Oaks Chamber Orchestra) in Houston, TX. Mei-Ann Chen guest-conducts. The two-movement, 17-minute concerto was commissioned for Grgić by ROCO and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (Iowa). The concert will be live-streamed, and will receive a […]