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!

Three States of Water Premiere

Here's a pic of Mary Barto, director of the Mannes College Extension Flute Ensemble, introducing my Three States of Water last night, May 15, 2007. Several flutists shared responsibilities on this piece, including Aki Kasuga, Marie Jensen, and Arlene Weintraub (pictured here). Performing in the other movements were George Kimmel, David Abacassis, and Eun Sun Lee.

Interested in reviewing the music? Have a look here.

Many thanks to all who came out to hear this concert of fine flute music!

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.