Bringing New Music To The World

I’m passionate about what I do, and one of the things I feel most strongly about is bringing new music to the world.

I’m involved in the commission and premiere process on a number of different levels – writer, conductor, and something in between. All three of these roles have exciting new movement right now.

As a conductor, I’m delighted to be getting close to the premiere of May by Michael McGlynn, which we commissioned for The Rockford Aces. We’ll be premiering it on April 26 at the RHS Choirs Spring Concert; that means we’re really in the final steps of shaping what it will sound like at the premiere. It’s a blessing to be bringing this beautiful new piece to the world. (And I’m told that Anúna will begin performing it as well in June!).

As a – what, impresario? – I have assembled a commissioning consortium which will jointly premiere a new piece by Alice Parker in the fall/winter of 2016. It’s been incredibly fun putting the Michigan Choral Commission Consortium together, and I think it has legs – I’ve already begun working on TWO commissions for the 2017-18 season and am optimistic about putting together a 20+ member consortium of Michigan choirs.

Finally, as a composer. This afternoon (March 19), the Michigan Educators Male Ensemble will be premiering the work they commissioned from me – a TTBB setting of the Michigan Lumberjack song “Once More A-Lumbering Go.” I’m pleased with the piece, gratified that they trusted me to write it, and incredibly proud that it will be premiered at the Biennial Symposium of Intercollegiate Male Choruses Inc.

Conductor, Composer, Impresario. I’m increasingly aware that an important role in my life is to shepherd new music into the world.

Stay tuned for more new music!