Aurora Borealis - Three Songs of Carl Sandburg

In the last several weeks I've taken my piece, Three Songs of Carl Sandburg, originally for voice and piano, and arranged it for voice and marimba. The duo Aurora Borealis (pictured here) will perform it in Dearborn, MI on July 3. This is my big Michigan premiere! Here's the press release:

The Aurora Borealis Duo, a resident ensemble from New York City, will perform at St. Anselm Parish in Dearborn, MI, on Tuesday July 3. This critically acclaimed duo features soprano, Tiffany DuMouchelle and marimbist, Stephen Solook. Ms. DuMouchelle and Mr. Solook have been featured performers at such esteemed venues as: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Verizon Hall, The Consulate of the Republic of Poland, and Symphony Space. Ms. DuMouchelle, recipient of the presigious Richard F. Gold Carreer Grant and winner of the 2006 Mannes Concerto Competition, is equally at home in concert and chamber repertoire as on the operatic stage, where she has performed such roles as: Pamina, Susanna, and Anne Truelove. Mr. Solook, is an active soloist and chamber collaborator in classical and world music. He has recently joined the Jose Limon Dance Company in their major revival of "Lament"for Ignacio Sanchez Mejias. He has also performed in concert with such renowned artists as Judy Collins, Glen Velez, Lauren Flanigen, and Bob Becker, and under such conductors as John Rutter, Edin Outwater, and Paul Nadler. Aurora Borealis will present an eclectic program featuring arrangements of classical standards from opera and art song, along with Broadway favorites and new works by American composers. For more information about the duo, please go to: auroraborealisduo.com.
When: 7pm, Tuesday July 3, 2007.
Where: St. Anselm Parish, 17650 W. Outer Drive, Dearborn Heights.
Admission: $15/Adults; $10/Students and Senior (Suggested Donation).

Two Songs of Rilke: Photos

My new piece, Two Songs of Rilke, premeired today in Brooklyn in a concert presented by the Musica Bella Orchestra. I received some really nice words after the concert, and very likely even some new leads on pieces to write. (Stay tuned!) Many thanks to the wonderful musicians, soprano Sofia Dimitrova, violinist Stanichka Dimitrova, and pianist Tomoko Nakamura.

Here's some pics from the concert, held at Holy Name Church in Prospect Park. (Click for larger size.)

Discussing the piece before the performance.

The three superb musicians.

A pretty nice size crowd for a sunny Sunday!

Two Songs of Rilke to Premiere June 24

Here is a flier advertising the next concert which will have my music on it -- the World Premiere of Two Rilke Songs. (Click image for larger detail.) Many thanks to soprano Sofia Dimitrova and her sister, Stanichka, for their help in getting this piece written.

By the way, this will be a Brooklyn premiere for me; to my knowledge, I have not had my music performed in Brooklyn. Hope to see you there!

Three Songs of Carl Sandburg, June 5, 2007

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity for my Three Songs of Carl Sandburg to be performed again, sung again by soprano Sofia Dimitrova. The concert was presented at Saint Peter's Church in midtown Manhattan, under the auspices of the New York Composers Circle.

Here are several pics (click to enlarge) from the evening. First, there's Sofia chatting with her mother and grandmother before the concert (with me chiming in on the right.)

Then I am addressing the audience before the performance, saying a word or two about the piece. Followed by Sofia singing (and the tip of my head visible at the piano).

Last, the reception after the concert, with 2004 Pulitzer Prize Winner Paul Moravec in the red shirt on the right. His Vita Brevis was performed by soprano Tiffany DuMouchelle with Julie McBride on piano.

It was a terrific concert; many thanks to all for their support at the concert!