During the past few months, I've been busily composing a 3-movement work for string orchestra and percussion on the topic of climate change, titled Elegy for the End of Nature.
I'm currently looking for Project Partners who are interested in co-premiering the piece. There is no commission fee - just the commitment to purchase the sheet music (at a discount) and perform the work. The music is grade 4, and several youth orchestras, colleges, and community orchestras have already signed on to the project.
I drew some inspiration from Vivaldi's concept for The Four Seasons, namely the idea of including a poem to accompany each part of the work. The poems included in Elegy for the End of Nature reflect on a particular aspect of climate change and continue the story told in Vivaldi's poem for Summer from The Four Seasons. If you are interested in reading more about the project and the music, click here.
A portion of all sales from Elegy for the End of Nature will be donated to advance climate technologies and policies. It's one small way that you and I can both do something to address this ever-growing crisis.
Video Recording of "Vocalise" - Andrea Venet, Marimba & Voice
Check out this wonderful video of Andrea Venet performing my new work “Vocalise” for singing marimbist. Andrea commissioned the piece earlier this year and premiered it this fall at the University of North Florida.
New Publications Available!
I'm pleased to share that three of my works recently accepted for publication are now available directly from the publishers: Augsburg Fortress, Colla Voce Music, and Keyboard Percussion Publications.
- Chorale Variations, commissioned by the percussion duo Escape X, is now available from Keyboard Percussion Publications here.
- Speaking Love, a Christmas Carol for SATB Choir and Piano is now available from Colla Voce Music here.
- Filled With His Voice, (SATB+piano+alto sax) commissioned by the Bethel College Concert Choir directed by Dr. William Eash, is now available in the St. Olaf Choral Series of Augsburg Fortress here.
Chorale Variations Coming Soon from Keyboard Percussion Publications
Some of you might remember hearing me talk about a new marimba duo commission and CD release last summer. Escape Ten, the fantastic percussion duo, asked me to write a piece for them in 2013 and I created the five-movement piece, “Chorale Variations.” Escape Ten has a new publication series with Keyboard Percussion Publications (aptly named the Escape Ten Publication Series) and they will be releasing my piece and several other works commissioned by the duo very soon!
I proofed the final draft of the piece just last week. To tide you over until the piece is available for purchase, here is a video of Escape Ten performing the first movement of "Chorale Variations."