Fall is in the air and I could not be happier. Fall is a precious commodity in Los Angeles, so I will soak up every minute of it.
I began my Fall with the very exciting news that my song Nurse’s Song for SSA & Piano won 2nd place in the Corinfesta International Competition for Children’s Choir Composition! Nurse’s Song was commissioned by Jennifer Gaderlund and dedicated to The Graham Middle School Vocal Ensemble. This is especially important to me as this is the first official choral competition I have won, after having applied to probably over 50 over the past few years.
My brand-new piece Lotus Flower for SA and Piano, commissioned by Ruth Ballenger, is receiving its world premiere next Thursday April 26th by the Ramona Convent Secondary School Chamber Singers. This piece was particularly exciting for me to compose because it sets the anthemic text by Analisa Vanegas (’18), who is an RCSS graduating senior this year. It has been inspiring to work with the poet, the singers, and Ruth Ballenger as they bring this new piece to life. The piece involves some new techniques for me, including body percussion. Be on the lookout for a new recording and score very soon!
Happy New Years!
Here is my 2017 in the desktop backgrounds I found most inspirational while composing. Click on a picture to see which piece it inspired!
After celebrating a wonderful Thanksgiving with loved ones, I realize how much I have to be thankful for. I feel so blessed that I get to spend almost every minute of my waking life (and probably dreaming life as well) involved in music, whether composing, performing, or teaching. I try to never once take it for granted. I also thank everyone that supports me on this journey.
I am particularly thankful to have won my first call for scores, hosted by soprano and composer Ivana Jokic. My song Winking Waking Wishes Wail was one of five pieces chosen out of 200 submissions to be performed by Ivana Jokic at the Array Space in Ontario, Toronto on May 6th, 2018. I am very excited about being selected and having her bring the piece to life!
On August 26th at 4pm at St. Francis Palos Verdes, The South Bay Chamber Singers will premier my brand-new choral song cycle “As Time Stops to Rest”. This song cycle is dedicated to my late aunt Susan Jordan, who is the author of the beautiful text used in the song cycle. The song cycle begins with the first movement Two Friends which paints the serene picture of two friends sitting by the ocean and enjoying their time with each other and nature. The second movement, Storm’s End, contains more conflict and opens with a storm-like flurry in the piano. After the storm passes, a sense of peace and love with life comes over the narrator. The third and final movement, Magic, describes the journey of sensing the ever-present “spirit kingdom” throughout life, occasionally almost touching it, and finally joining it (perhaps upon death) as the narrator “enters the kingdom of All, and AM”.
The South Bay Chamber Singers is a brand-new professional choir in the South Bay directed by Mallory Gantner. It is conducted by Bryant Nguyen and features accompaniment by Manuel Arellano.
The concert is free and will have a delicious reception after with wine and food!
More details may be found here.