Vivian Fung’s String Quartet No. 4 “Insects and Machines” has been nominated for a JUNO award as Classical Composition of the Year. Commissioned by the Red Bank Chamber Music Society and recorded by the Jasper String Quartet, the work is inspired by the composer’s recent trip to Cambodia to research an opera she is writing with librettist Royce Vavrek, in part based on her family’s ancestral roots.
Lucidity, a new opera by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist David Cote premiered at the Abrons Arts Center in November 2024, in a stunning production by On Site Opera. The work deals with the challenging issues of aging and memory loss, in a profound way, by focusing on music’s effect on the brain.
In her twilight years, a retired singer grapples with dementia while her son forsakes his music career to care for her. Their lives converge with a young clarinetist and a music therapy researcher, igniting an exploration of music and memory. Amidst their individual struggles, moments of joy and profound sacrifice illuminate their intertwining paths.
The work featured a distinguished cast that included Lucy Shelton, Blythe Gaissert, Cristina Maria Castro and Eric McKeever. Directed by Sarah Meyers, with musical direction by Geoffrey McDonald.
The Memphis Composers Institute, a new collaboration between the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, The Walden School, and the University of Memphis, debuts this February as a unique opportunity for emerging composers to develop their orchestral writing. The program culminates in a February 9 concert featuring the world premieres of four new orchestral works, including D. J. Sparr’s viola concerto, Extended Play, performed by Kimberly Sparr.
The Memphis Composers Institute was Sparr’s brainchild, and he reflects on the collaboration, saying, “I’m honored that The Walden School, Memphis Symphony, and University of Memphis came together to create the Memphis Composers Institute. More than anything, I’m excited for Sina Karachiani, Soomin Kim, and Evan Erickson to hear their orchestral pieces come to life and participate in this incredible weekend of music-making and camaraderie.”
As Artistic Coordinator, Sparr helped shape the program into a weekend of rehearsals, mentorship, and collaboration. A faculty member at The Walden School’s Creative Musicians Retreat, D. J. is also a frequent collaborator with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra as an electric guitar soloist and composer. A distinguished composer-performer, his work has been praised as “exemplary” (Gramophone) and “iridescent and wondrous” (The Mercury News).
The Memphis Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kyle Dickson, will perform these new works at Harris Hall, University of Memphis, on February 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
Read more about the Memphis Composers Institute:
https://waldenschool.org/memphis-composers-institute-2025/
American Opera Projects (AOP) is proud to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the premiere of As One, the chamber opera that the esteemed company commissioned and premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on September 4, 2014. Created by Kimberly Reed, Laura Kaminsky, and Mark Campbell, this highly innovative work–which traces the experiences of its transgender protagonist in her formative years–has since been produced in 60+ venues in the U.S., Europe, Canada, South America, and Australia. The original production starred Sasha Cooke and Kelly Markgraf, with Steven Osgood conducting the Fry Street Quartet and Ken Cazan directing.
AOP’s Interim General Director Charles Jarden says, “For more than three decades, AOP has been a major force in developing new opera. While I am gratified with the monumental success of As One, I am equally thrilled that the opera has increased the visibility of trans people in our world and our industry.” Adds Amy Cassello, Artistic Director of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, “BAM is very proud to have played even a small part in the launch of this groundbreaking opera.”
When asked why As One is so appealing, co-librettist and filmmaker Kimberly Reed explains: “More than anything else, I think Laura, Mark, and I sought to create a joyful story centered on a character who gives audiences a chance to empathize. And laugh. And maybe cry.”
Lucia Lucas and Blythe Gaissert in Atlanta Opera’s As One (photo by: Raftermen)
Adds Alexandra Enyart, who has frequently conducted the opera: “As One has changed the trajectories for transgender performers around the country. For many companies, As One marks the first time they’ve ever featured a transgender person on stage. Even better, many companies have used As One as a springboard to include transgender people in roles and stories of all kinds.”
Lucia Lucas, who performed in the Atlanta Opera production (and stars in the Tobias Picker/Aryeh Lev Stollman opera, Lili Elbe), says: “I am so thankful to Kim for sharing her story and bringing it into the medium of opera with Mark and Laura. Some of the scenes perfectly encapsulate moments I have experienced in my life; it was very powerful to play those moments on stage.”
“As One has been an important part of my own personal and professional story.” continues Lucas Bouk, who has also performed in the opera. “It has helped me explore what it means to be trans, how to tell my own story, and how to create community.
Lucas Bouk and Georgia Jacobson in Lyric Opera of the North’s As One (photo by: Michelle Skirda)
But the story of As One doesn’t end there. In 2022, the creative team decided to leverage the success of their work and conceived the True Voice Award to support the training of transgender and nonbinary opera singers. Washington National Opera (WNO) agreed to administer the bi-annual award. Francesca Zambello, Artistic Director, WNO, says, “We are proud to be the home of the True Voice Award and grateful for these amazing artists who allow us to be an integral part of their artistic journey.” Adds Christopher Cano, Director, Cafritz Young Artists and the American Opera Initiative, WNO: “Nonbinary and trans artists deserve to have a place in our world, to have their stories told, and to have their voices heard with honesty and pride.”
On this landmark day, AOP extends its gratitude to the many companies that have produced As One in the decade since its premiere and to Kimberly, Laura, and Mark for creating the work.
Marc A. Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America, perhaps best summarizes the impact of the work: “The beauty and emotional impact of As One fueled the expansion of American opera into alternative venues and repertoire that resonates with the world around us. It earned its place as the most performed new work of the last decade and changed the opera landscape.”
Selections from As One
Click here to inquire about the 10th Anniversary tour.
Chandos Records is releasing digital singles of their second volume of orchestral music by Kenneth Fuchs. The entire album was released globally on all platforms on June 14. The album, Light Year, includes world-premiere recordings of four new works:
Light Year: Suite for Orchestra after Six Paintings by Helen Frankenthaler
Eventide: Concerto for Alto Saxophone, Percussion, Harp, Celesta, and String Orchestra
Point of Tranquility: Idyll for Winds, Brass, Strings, and Percussion after a Painting by Morris Louis
Listen to Point of Tranquility: III. Maestoso
The scope and flair of the playing in this second volume of Fuchs’s orchestral works, and the range of music presented, make it essential listening.”
— Adrian Edwards, Gramophone, July 2024
The album is available for order here.
The second volume in this Chandos series devoted to the orchestral music of the contemporary American composer Kenneth Fuchs (b.1956) proves to be as enjoyable as the first, and those attuned to Fuchs’ instantly accessible body of work will be entranced once more by the variety on offer here.
— Graham Williams, HRAudio.net
The Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue project by composer Peter Boyer and pianist Jeffrey Biegel continues to expand its reach, securing performance commitments from 54 orchestras in all 50 of the United States. In addition, reaching beyond the United States to achieve an international presence, Boyer and Biegel recorded the new Rhapsody with the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra for the acclaimed Naxos American Classics Series. Naxos will release this recording on February 23, 2024, with a two-week exclusive period for Apple Music beginning February 9, 2024.
Biegel, a prolific pianist with an extraordinary record of commissioning new works for piano and orchestra, commissioned Boyer to compose this new work in celebration of the centennial of George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue (premiered February 12, 1924). Since 2020, Biegel has pursued a highly ambitious “Rhapsody National Initiative,” with the goal of performing Boyer’s new work with at least one orchestra in each of the 50 United States. As of January 2024, this remarkable vision has been fulfilled, and Boyer’s new Rhapsody will be performed by orchestras in all 50 states by the 2026-27 season (details below). This is believed to be an unprecedented feat for a new concerto by an American composer.
The Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue was recorded with Biegel as soloist, and Boyer conducting the London Symphony Orchestra at the famed AIR Studios, Lyndhurst Hall on November 27, 2023. Simon Rhodes, Senior Engineer at Abbey Road Studios, known for his work on projects such as the first two Harry Potter film scores, the Avatar film scores, and hundreds of classical albums and other film scores, was producer and engineer for the recording. Naxos will release the Rhapsody recording on February 23, 2024.This is Boyer’s fourth recording for the American Classics Series, and his third recording with the LSO as composer and conductor. (Photos by Benjamin Ealovega)
Boyer’s ca. 18-minute Rhapsody was premiered on June 30, 2023, with Biegel and the Utah Symphony conducted by Benjamin Manis, on the opening night of the Deer Valley Music Festival in Park City, Utah. An outdoor audience of more than 3,000 rewarded the new work with a prolonged standing ovation — a reaction which has been repeated by audiences at each subsequent performance, by nine different orchestras to date.
The following orchestras and conductors are participating in the “Rhapsody National Initiative” (as of 1/17/24):
01 Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony (SD), Christopher Stanichar, conductor
02 Arapahoe Philharmonic (CO), Devin Patrick Hughes, conductor
03 Augusta Symphony Orchestra (GA), Dirk Meyer, conductor
04 Brevard Symphony Orchestra (FL), Christopher Confessore, conductor
05 Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (NY), Stuart Chafetz, conductor
06 Butler Philharmonic (OH), Scott Woodard, conductor
07 Central Ohio Symphony (OH), Jaime Morales-Matos, conductor
08 Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (MN), Dirk Meyer, conductor
09 East Tennessee Symphony Orchestra (TN), Jeremy Francisco, conductor
10 Endless Mountain Music Festival (PA), Stephen Gunzenhauser, conductor
11 Evanston Symphony Orchestra (IL), Lawrence Eckerling, conductor
12 Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra (ND), Christopher Zimmerman, conductor
13 Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (VA), Christopher Zimmerman, conductor
14 Greater Bridgeport Symphony (CT), conductor TBD
15 Gulf Coast Symphony (FL), Andrew Kurtz, conductor
16 Idaho State Civic Symphony (ID), Nell Flanders, conductor
17 Juneau Symphony (AK), Christopher Koch, conductor
18 Kamuela Philharmonic (HI), Brian Dollinger, conductor
19 Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra (WA), Michael Miropolsky, conductor
20 Las Cruces Symphony (NM), Ming Luke, conductor
21 Lubbock Symphony Orchestra (TX), David Cho, conductor
22 Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (DE, MD), Michael Repper, conductor
23 Mid-Texas Symphony (TX), Akiko Fujimoto, conductor
24 Missoula Symphony Orchestra (MT), Julia Tai, conductor
25 The Missouri Symphony (MO), Wilbur Lin, conductor
26 Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (AL), Jamie Reeves, conductor
27 Muscatine Symphony Orchestra (IA), Brian Dollinger, conductor
28 New England Music Camp (ME), Simon Gollo, conductor
29 New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra (NH), Mark Latham, conductor
30 New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJ), Helen Cha-Pyo, conductor
31 North Charleston Pops (SC), Nick Palmer, conductor
32 North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MS), Steven Byess, conductor
33 Orchestra Omaha (NE), Kenneth Meints, conductor
34 Pacific Symphony (CA), Carl St.Clair, conductor
35 Paducah Symphony Orchestra (KY), Raffaele Ponti, conductor
36 Peninsula Music Festival (WI), Rune Bergmann, conductor
37 Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra (RI), Aram Demirjian, conductor
38 Rogue Valley Symphony (OR), Martin Majkut, conductor
39 Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (WA), Juan Felipe Molano, conductor
40 Shreveport Symphony (LA), Michael Butterman, conductor
41 Signature Symphony (OK), Scott Seaton, conductor
42 South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (AK), Kermit Poling, conductor
43 South Bend Symphony Orchestra (IN), Alastair Willis, conductor
44 Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (AZ), Linus Lerner, conductor
45 Southwest Symphony (UT), Lucas Darger, conductor
46 Springfield Symphony Orchestra (MA), Peter Boyer, conductor
47 Traverse Symphony Orchestra (MI), Kevin Rhodes, conductor
48 UNLV Symphony Orchestra (NV), Taras Krysa, conductor
49 Utah Symphony (UT), Benjamin Manis, conductor
50 Vermont Youth Orchestra (VT), Mark Alpízar, conductor
51 Western Piedmont Symphony (NC), Matthew Troy, conductor
52 West Virginia State Philharmonic Orchestra (WV), Scott Woodard, conductor
53 Wichita Symphony Orchestra (KS), Daniel Hege, conductor
54 Wyoming Symphony Orchestra (WY), Christopher Dragon, conductor
The commission of Boyer’s Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue was made possible through a generous consortium of sponsors. The Billy Rose Foundation was the lead sponsor of the commission, and the exclusive sponsor of the recording.
The score is available for purchase here.
Steven Schick’s “Weather Systems II: Soundlines,” was featured in a NY Times article as one of the best Classical Albums of 2023. The recording includes Vivian Fung’s work for percussion and electronics, The Ice is Talking. This stunning work requires the performer to play on blocks of ice, and had a deep connection to the composer’s Canadian childhood in Edmonton.
For additional information, please click here. To purchase the score, please click here.
Chandos Records has released the first of two volumes devoted to the orchestral music of Kenneth Fuchs. The first, Cloud Slant, includes world-premiere recordings of four new works: Cloud Slant (Concerto for Orchestra, After Three Paintings by Helen Frankenthaler), Pacific Visions (for String Orchestra), Quiet in the Land (Poem for Orchestra), and Solitary the Thrush (Concerto Flute and Orchestra) with soloist Adam Walker. Following its release, the album immediately hit the Top Ten of several UK and US classical charts and received a coveted “Critics’ Choice” for the December 2023 issue of Gramophone.
Reviewer Adrian Edwards wrote:
“If you haven’t before come across the name of Kenneth Fuchs, let me recommend him to you with all possible urgency, for here is a composer of contemporary music who brings to his compositions a winning combination of melody, dazzling orchestration, design and balance. Moreover, he could not receive greater advocacy than that accorded him by the Sinfonia of London and their conductor John Wilson. The recording by Chandos is something to live for!”
Chandos Records will release Light Year, Vol. 2 of the series, in June 2024.
Fuchs states, “I am thrilled to be the first living American composer whose music John Wilson has recorded with the Sinfonia of London. The conductor, orchestra, and soloist are extraordinary performers, and the recorded sound is superb.” The album was recorded in Surround Sound, and is available as a Hybrid SACD and in Spatial Audio. See also Gramophone magazine’s Classical Music Podcast, in which Kenneth Fuchs talks with Editor James Jolly about recording with the Sinfonia of London.
For more information, visit the album website at: https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHAN%205296
Michael Torke’s newest recording is a unique set of pieces for solo piano, intermediate level, titled Sessions, 3 A.M. Recorded by the composer and now available on Ecstatic Records, the work brings the composer’s unique style to a set of pieces that can be played by a pianists and students of varying skill levels.
Order the sheet music here.
Order the CD here.
Dead Man Walking Opens Metropolitan Opera Season
Simulcast Worldwide to Cinemas Live in HD
September 26 – October 21, 2023
World Premiere Intelligence Opens Houston Grand Opera Season
October 20 – November 3, 2023
World Premiere & Global Tour of Joshua Bell Commission The Elements
Hamburg, Hong Kong, New York in September 2023
Chicago, Seattle in June 2024
World Premiere & U.S. Tour of Before It All Goes Dark
Music of Remembrance in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago in May 2024
Recognized by the Wall Street Journal as “arguably the world’s most popular 21st-century opera and art song composer,” Jake Heggie is set to deliver a 2023/24 season filled with high-profile premieres and top-tier artistic collaborations. From a pair of opening night galas at the Metropolitan Opera and Houston Grand Opera to orchestral premieres with superstar violinist Joshua Bell in Hamburg, Hong Kong, and New York, Heggie’s works will offer audiences a wide range of perspectives and possibilities.
Created with director/choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and librettist Gene Scheer, Intelligence is based on the little-known true story of two women who infiltrated the Confederate White House during the American Civil War. The work receives its world premiere on opening night of Houston Grand Opera’s 23/24 season, conducted by Kwamé Ryan and starring Jamie Barton, Janai Brugger, and J’Nai Bridges. Brooklyn-based dance troupe Urban Bush Women infuses African ancestral dance, an art form rarely experienced in grand opera, in five performances through November 3, 2023.
Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell commissioned five renowned American composers – Jake Heggie, Jennifer Higdon, Edgar Meyer, Jessie Montgomery,and Kevin Puts – to dedicate themselves to the five Elements that form the basis of Aristotle’s Greek philosophy and traditional Chinese medicine: Fire, Air, Water, Ether, and Earth, respectively. Each composer has contributed one movement to this suite, which will tour major orchestras around the globe. The Elements receives its world premiere with Alan Gilbert conducting the opening night of the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra season in Hamburg on September 1-2, 2023; the Asian premiere takes place September 8-9, 2023, with opening night of the Hong Kong Philharmonic season conducted by Jaap van Zweden; and the U.S. premiere will be given by the New York Philharmonic, also led by van Zweden. Subsequent performances include the Midwest premiere with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Juraj Valčuha, June 13-15, 2024, and the West Coast premiere with Seattle Symphony, led by Marin Alsop on June 20 and 22, 2024.
Based on a compelling true story first reported by Howard Reich in the Chicago Tribune, this one-act opera follows Mac, a disabled Vietnam veteran who learns that he is the heir to a priceless art collection, stolen by the Nazis from an ancestor he didn’t know he had. Before It All Goes Dark is Music of Remembrance’s fifth commission of Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. The duo’s artistic partnership with MOR began in 2007 with For a Look or a Touch, believed to be the first major musical work to explore the Third Reich’s persecution of gay people. Before It All Goes Dark receives its world premiere at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall on May 19, 2024, starring bass-baritone Ryan McKinny and mezzo Megan Marino, with members of the Seattle Symphony under the baton of Joseph Mechavich. The Erich Parce production travels to San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre on May 22, 2024, and concludes with two performances at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater, presented in collaboration with Chicago Opera Theater May 25-26, 2024.
“I’m overjoyed – and a bit overwhelmed – by the extraordinary convergence of so many special projects this season,” said composer Jake Heggie. “These works feature some of my favorite colleagues, as well as remarkable new collaborators. I’m especially moved that my first opera, Dead Man Walking, will open the Metropolitan Opera season, while my most recent opera, Intelligence, will open the Houston Grand Opera season. It’s genuinely beyond what I could’ve imagined, and I’m so grateful to be able to share these important stories with audiences around the world.”
