One Rilke Song in NYCC Reading

Under the auspices of the New York Composers Circle, a late draft of my new piece was given a reading last night. This art song is based on the Rilke poem, Ich bin, du Angstlicher. The superb performers were soprano Sofia Dimitrova and violinist Stanichka Dimitrova. (Yes, they are sisters.) In this pic, Victor Frost is obscured but is indeed playing the piano. (Click image for larger size.)

After this reading, I began a companion Rilke song, Klage. Look for a June 2007 premiere of the completed song cycle.

Stella Trio plays Amelia Asleep

The New York Composers Circle presented an informal reading of works by NYCC composers on March 29, 2007. A piece I wrote, Amelia Asleep (from my forthcoming Three Dog Suite) was played by the Stella Trio. Although this was only a reading, the musicians were outstanding. Here's a pic of Jannina Barefield, violin, Monica Chung, piano, and Laura Metcalf, cello, performing the piece. (Click image for larger size.)

Aurora Borealis performs Three Elegies, March 25, 2007

I was very happy with the excellent performance of Three Elegies as performed by Aurora Borealis, the new music duo comprised of Stephen Solook on percussion and the charming soprano, Tiffany DuMouchelle. You can read more about them at Tonal Center Trio. (That's the website of the trio that includes Adam Berkowitz on clarinet.)

Here's a pic from the concert, which took place in the intimate Goldmark Hall of Mannes College of Music in New York on March 25, 2007.

Three Elegies at Symphony Space

Three Elegies received its second performance on March 9, 2007 at the Thalia at Symphony Space in New York City, in a concert presented by the New York Composers Circle. The performers were Aurora Borealis, the new music duo comprised of soprano Tiffany DuMouchelle and percussionist Stephen Solook. All credit goes to the performers for finding the composition’s themes of loss, meaning, and acceptance.

Stephen Solook and Tiffany DuMouchelle at Symphony Space.

Below, Richard Russell addresses the audience before the performance.

Spirals performed by Stella Trio, Feb 18, 2007

Spirals was performed at Mannes College of Music's Concert Hall on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 1:30pm. The performers were The Stella Trio, Jannina Barefield, violin, Monica Chung, piano, and Laura Metcalf, cello. (More information about them can be found at their website.) Also on the concert were pieces by composers Ryan Tracy, David Ames, and Wayne Alpern.

I Am Greener Than Grass, February 11, 2007

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Richard Russell contributes a new original song, I Am Greener Than Grass, to "Love Stories", a theatrical work presented by the Ollom Dance Company. There were two performances, February 11, 2007 at 3pm and at 6pm. Sofia Dimitrova was the soprano who created the role and interpreted the song. The venue was the LGB&T Center at 208 West 13th Street. Pictured here is John Ollom.

Three Elegies Premieres, December 6, 2006

The contemporary music ensemble, Aurora Borealis, comprised of soprano Tiffany DuMouchelle and percussionist Stephen Solook, presented a concert on December 6, 2006 at Mannes College of Music in New York. Among the pieces being performed was the world premiere of Richard Russell's Three Elegies. Following the concert, Richard Russell participated in a composers roundtable.