The holiday season is upon us and thus so is holiday music. I have several upcoming performances of my holiday music, including a premiere of my brand new piece Light in the Darkness, a brand new arrangement of Joy to the World, and my arrangement of What Child Is This. This is my favorite time of the year, so I am thrilled to have so many wonderful choirs performing these pieces and spreading the cheer!
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!