I wrote “The Dance of Oya” for a call for one-minute pieces composed for 15-Minutes-of-Fame: Michelle McQuade Dewhirstand it was chosen for the concert on March 11, 2012 in New York City. This concert was to celebrate Women’s History Month and targetted to women composers. My work closes the concert, starting at 7:09 of Part II, below. Go to the concert’s page to watch Part I of the concert, and read programme notes of all the works and bios of the composers. Bravo to Michelle and all the composers!
I’m stoked to hear the University of Calgary Symphonic Band perform this Thursday April 5, 8:00 PM at Calgary’s Eckhardt-Gramatte Hall. This is the third ensemble to perform SpaceShipOne since it was written in 2010, and from hearing a rehearsal today, it promises to be thrilling. The musicians seem like they have really put themselves into the work, and the refinement and inspiration by director Gareth Jones is very evident. Ticket info is here. Come join me at the concert!
I’ve been studying Benjamin Britten’s “Peter Grimes” opera again, this time with the treat of having the vocal score. This work is what really catapulted my interest in opera, ever since the memorable occasion of seeing a “Met Live In HD” broadcast of it in a movie theatre some years ago, arriving somewhat late because my car was just stolen. Continue reading Pe-ter Grimes! Pe-ter Grimes!
I was pretty much useless with my work today, still reeling from the rare and fortunate experience of watching Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” live last night. Discovering the musicals of Stephen Sondheim a few years ago completely overturned my notions of what musical theatre could be. Or what drama in general can be. With the show last night, I couldn’t help naively asking: why is this not already a blockbuster movie, seen all over the world and beloved by millions?
The University of Calgary Symphonic Band, under the baton of Gareth Jones, will play my “SpaceShipOne”, April 5 8:00 PM at the Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall in Calgary. See ticket info here.