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Front Page | Joel Friedman

01

Apr
2024

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

2 Upcoming Local DC Performances Of My Music

On 01, Apr 2024 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

The Angel for voice and chamber ensemble from William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience

Carol Shaffer, Mezzo-Soprano, and Balance Campaign

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 7:30 pm, Ward Hall Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, free

Sweet Stillness for soloists, mixed choir, and ensemble on texts by Barthold Heinrich Brockes and Joel Phillip Friedman

Catholic University Orchestra and Concert Choir, Noel Nascimento, conductor

Saturday, April 27 2024 at 7:30 pm,  The Hartke Theatre 3801 Harewood Rd. NE, Washington, DC, free (reservations suggested)

Newsletter

07

Jan
2024

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

New vocal setting of Blake’s “The Angel”

On 07, Jan 2024 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

I’ll be our joining our composition students and other Catholic Univeristy faculty writing a joint song cycle setting of excerpts from William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience for talented CUA singers (in my case Carolyn Shaffer) and the awesome ensemble-in-residence Balance Campaign. My friend and colleague Stephen Gorbos and impresario thought up this wonderful project. What was I assigned? The Angel! Mmmm…The song is done and it’s fun. Let’s see where this goes. See you there on April 24, 2024!

28

Sep
2022

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

New & Timely Song & Video: DREAM

On 28, Sep 2022 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

“The Constitution is worth saving, the rule of law is worth saving, democracy is worth saving, but these things can and will be lost if everyone waits around for someone else.”
–Timothy D. Snyder
We are living in dangerous times — politically and socially — and part of what makes them so dangerous is so many Americans are still unaware…of context, of history. I wrote DREAM and co-created the video, because I believe that music and visuals can offer a novel and powerful way of underscoring what is happening in America, and world-wide in, a clear, concise, yet viscerally compelling way. At just 4 minutes in length, DREAM is not a podcast, not an editorial: we know how powerfully images and music have resonated in past movements. I created DREAM with this in mind. I offer DREAM in that spirit.

And I have a request: please watch DREAM (it’s just 4 minutes long) and share it WIDELY. I would like it to make a constructive difference for our upcoming midterm elections on November 8th. Democracy and freedom – and all that follows – are on the ballot. We need to “sing that out” loud and clear, and art can help. Thank you. — Joel Phillip Friedman (composer/lyricist). Special thanks for the talents of Alex Gallows (voice) and Scott Thureen (video).

This project was supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

17

Apr
2019

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

All Things Are Set Ablaze in Keene and New York City.

On 17, Apr 2019 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

Those three forces of nature, otherwise known as ModernMedieval – founder Jacqueline Horner-Kwiatek, Martha Cluver, and Eliza Bagg – did two more superb performances of their Words of Love and Wisdom program, including my badass Hildegarde piece From: All Things Are Set Ablaze, as part of the Electric Earth Concerts, Keene, NH. and then at the spectacular Fuentidueña Chapel at The Met Cloisters. And Classical Voice North America loved the program too! Click here for the review. I don’t mind “While it was certainly raucous and exciting – the trio played a tambourine, a small mallet-hit hand drum, and a triangle as they sang – the piece was far from furious. In fact, it was so much fun that Horner-Kwiatek’s final triangle ting earned a chuckle from the audience.”

17

Apr
2019

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

Elastic Band @Shenendoah Conservatory

On 17, Apr 2019 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

I had a great time last week at Shenandoah Conservatory in beautiful Winchester, Virginia. A *very* full visit with friends conductor Tim Robblee and composer extraordinaire Jonathan Newman and the the faculty and students. I taught composition lessons, gave a masterclass, had rehearsal, and heard my Elastic Band (Octet version) performed at the über-hip Bright Box Theater in downtown Winchester. Thank you Jonathan and Tim!

17

Jul
2018

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

Elastic Band CD submitted to the GRAMMYs!

On 17, Jul 2018 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

I’m very pleased that the Acis album be•spoke has been submitted to the GRAMMYs for consideration. There is so much great work by Elena Ruehr, Julian Wachner, Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, Marcus Thompson, the New Orchestra of Washington, Kevin Bourassa, and others on the CD.

30

Oct
2017

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

I’ve received a 2018 Arts and Humanities Fellowship from the DC Arts Commission!

On 30, Oct 2017 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been selected by the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities for an 2018 Arts and Humanities Fellowship (AHFP) for my upcoming projects! I’d like to thank Arthur Espinoza, Jr., Executive Director of the CAH, their hard working staff and panel for their support. Onwards and upwards!

28

Sep
2016

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

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

On 28, Sep 2016 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

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!

07

Oct
2015

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

Elastic Band – in the recording studio!

On 07, Oct 2015 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

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)

29

Sep
2015

In Front Page
News

By Joel Friedman

Elastic Band, for chamber orchestra, premieres!

On 29, Sep 2015 | In Front Page, News | By Joel Friedman

New Orchestra of Washington (NoW) and Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez will open their 4th season with Fusion, featuring the world premiere of Elastic Band for chamber orchestra (commissioned by NoW).  Two performances and an open rehearsal:
NoW will be recording Elastic Band for the Acis label.