A revision of “Arias with Dance Glitch” for Soliloquy in time for October performance!

I’m happy to announce a revision to my theatrical chamber duo Arias with Dance Glitch that was commissioned by the Irving M. Klein International String Competition for the duo Soliloquy – Klein Laureates Ariel Horowitz, violin & Lauren Siess, viola. Soliloquy premiered and toured with Arias throughout the summer of 2016 (CA-OR-DC-NY) and will return to the Capital region this October 22, 2017 performed in the revised version on the Loeffler Family Alumni Concert Series at Levine School of Music. Come see Ariel and Lauren play, sing, and dance!

New septet edition of Elastic Band for Inscape Chamber Orchestra: It’s all about that (added) bass!

The following important announcement is directed to all clarinetists, or string quintets, or string quartets who often play with added bassists, or percussionists, or new music ensembles, or conductors, or basically anyone in the wide music community:

I am excited to announce that at the request of Inscape Chamber Orchestra I have unleashed upon the world… a brand NEW edition of Elastic Band scored for SEPTET: clarinet, string quintet, and percussion! Originally a sextet (clarinet, string quartet, and percussion), this new edition completes the Elastic Band Family: sextet, septet, and chamber orchestra (which in addition to the featured clarinet, has a larger, more colorful string compliment, and a second percussionist for über-cool color and groove). Inscape will be performing this new version Fall 2017, details to be announced soon! You can peruse the septet score HERE and the chamber orchestra version HERE. So, you ask: why septet? Because, it’s all about that (added) bass!

Some good news: my Spring 2017 newsletter! 3 commissions, and more!

I’m happy to share some exciting spring news: my Spring 2017 newsletter! CLICK HERE! Commissions, performances, articles, and more! Enjoy.

The Strad chimes in on my “fierce little viola piece!”

I am thrilled that violist extraordinaire Andrew Gonzalez (and pianist Ji, Yekwon Sunwoo) has received this positively glowing review in this October’s The Strad Magazine for his Bargemusic recital this past July. Bruce Hodges also had kind things to say about my “fierce little viola piece” When the World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes as well. Mark Peskanov, Bargemusic Artistic & Executive Director is doing great things there! Want to read the complete review? Want to peruse the score? Click here!

Elastic Band – in the recording studio!

Sunday night, fresh off a terrific pair of performances of Elastic Band at Georgetown’s Gonda Theatre and AMP/Strathmore, the New Orchestra of Washington, conducted by Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, hit Omega Studios with producer Geoffrey Silver of Acis Productions at the helm. Great session, can’t wait to hear the final product! (photo: Christian Amonson)

Elastic Band, for chamber orchestra, premieres!

Derek Smith plays the fierce When the World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes

Derek Smith, principal violist of the New Orchestra of Washington, will give the East Coast premiere of my fierce viola piece When the World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes on Georgetown University’s Friday Music Series this coming September 25th at 1:15 pm McNeir Hall, New North Building. Free! The program also includes John B. Hedges’ Clarinet Sonatina “Gumbo” (2008), and Mozart’s “Kegelstatt” Trio in E-flat, K498.

NoW premieres Elastic Band for chamber orchestra!

On October 2nd and 3rd, 2015 the New Orchestra of Washington, under the direction of Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, will premiere my newly commissioned chamber orchestra version of Elastic Band. The program “Fusion” also includes works by Mackey, Bermel, McAllister, and Hernandez-Valdez. 10/2: Georgetown University and 10/3: AMP Strathmore

Out west with Maestra Barbara Day Turner & the SJCO

Wow! What a whirlwind, action-packed long weekend with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and the amazing Maestra Barbara Day Turner. I had a great time meeting and giving a presentation to Maestro Anthony Quartuccio’s talented young composers at the Kehillah Jewish High School, giving a preconcert talk for SCJO, hearing rehearsals, meeting the musicians, hanging out with composers Christopher Dietz and Judith Shatin, and, of course, hearing a terrific concert! Most of all I’m excited about writing for BDT and her terrific orchestra (along with co-commisioners the Takoma Ensemble and SONYC). The piece premieres October 11th in San Jose with the other performances to be scheduled soon.