A suite for solo cello, commissioned by and composed for the incredible Laura Usiskin. Coming early next year.
Audio and video from the premiere of Logos
It was an extraordinary pleasure returning to my undergraduate alma mater for the premiere of Logos, a piece commissioned for Trinity College's 2016 Service of Lessons & Carols. It was especially exciting because it also happened to be a celebration of the fortieth year of John Rose's tenure as Director of Chapel music; considering the enormous influence John has had on my life as a friend, collaborator, and (in the truest sense of the word) teacher, I was hugely honored to be a part of the commemoration.
The Chapel Singers sang the piece beautifully, and Christopher Houlihan played the organ as pristinely as ever. About two-thirds of the way through the piece, dozens of additional singers stood and joined the Chapel Singers for the closing pages. This group, made up of alumni (stretching as far back as the class of 1950) and student singers from other choirs on the Trinity campus, brought a sense of depth—timbrally, spatially, and emotionally—that was way, way cooler than I could've possibly expected while writing the thing.
Perhaps most immediately fulfilling for me, though, was that Logos gave me an excuse to reunite with my buddies in the Elmsmen. It'd been maybe eight years since we'd last sung together; up there shoulder-to-shoulder, though, it felt like we'd never stopped.
Anyway, if you'd like to view the full Flickr album, head over here (it's worth it; the service was freakin' gorgeous).
The audio's been uploaded as well: here's a direct link to the Soundcloud upload.
Come to the premiere of LOGOS!
Logos, a new work for male trio, large choir, narrator, and organ, will premiered in back-to-back performances during Trinity College's Services of Lessons & Carols on December 4 (4pm and 7pm).
The venue is the absolutely stunning Trinity College Chapel (300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT 06106), and admission is free.
Hope you can make it!
Next up: LOGOS
But first, a bit of good news: our second child—a beautiful boy we've named Henry—arrived on Monday, October 10!
The piece I'm writing now—an anthem for male trio, choir, and organ—is titled Logos, and it's dedicated to him. It's being composed for the Trinity College Chapel Singers, The Elmsmen, and Christopher Houlihan, and it'll be premiered on December 4 at the Trinity College Chapel in Hartford, CT.
Between finishing this piece and being a sleepless parent to a newborn and a toddler, I'm a bit strapped for time. That said, I hope Logos serves as a snapshot of this crazy time in my life.
More to come soon!
We've got a title!
Mabinte, a collaborative composition I recently wrapped with Ryan Edwards, is receiving its premiere in front of thousands in the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade at 7pm on August 17 (a Wednesday).
Performers will include the commissioning organization - the ever-amazing Boston Landmarks Orchestra - along with young percussionists and dancers from Greater Boston Boys and Girls Clubs (not to mention Ryan on lead djembe and Brian Mirage as lead dancer and choreographer).
It's absolutely massive, and it should be a great time. Hope you can make it!