I've been quiet these past several months, and that's because I've been happily elbow-deep in my commission for the Oakland Symphony Chorus, now with an official title: Mass for Freedom.
Please mark your calendar for the premiere: Saturday, April 13, 2019!
We now have a venue: the First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St.
(I do not yet have ticket information; as soon as I find out, you'll be the first to know.)
As I type, the piano/vocal score is complete and on its way from the copyist (piano/vocal means the vocal parts are entirely finished, with a piano accompaniment for rehearsal only), and I have recently broken ground on the fully orchestrated version of the final movement.
Please mark your calendar for the premiere: Saturday, April 13, 2019!
We now have a venue: the First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St.
(I do not yet have ticket information; as soon as I find out, you'll be the first to know.)
As I type, the piano/vocal score is complete and on its way from the copyist (piano/vocal means the vocal parts are entirely finished, with a piano accompaniment for rehearsal only), and I have recently broken ground on the fully orchestrated version of the final movement.
In other words, after over a year of work, the end is finally coming into view, and it would be hard to overstate what a joy this project has been. I've loved digging into the rich history of spirituals and the Civil Rights struggle, and it has been humbling but rewarding to intertwine my own music (and sometimes, words as well) with these deeply, deeply rooted traditions.
As a composer it's also been an amazing challenge to tackle the large-scale form of the traditional Mass, and to write my first choral piece with orchestral accompaniment. I'll be honest: at first these were intimidating prospects for me. But thankfully I've had sufficient time to work with care, and the process has been remarkably low-anxiety by my usual standards! I've loved every step, and can't wait to hear the singers and players of the Oakland Symphony and Chorus to bring this to life.
As a composer it's also been an amazing challenge to tackle the large-scale form of the traditional Mass, and to write my first choral piece with orchestral accompaniment. I'll be honest: at first these were intimidating prospects for me. But thankfully I've had sufficient time to work with care, and the process has been remarkably low-anxiety by my usual standards! I've loved every step, and can't wait to hear the singers and players of the Oakland Symphony and Chorus to bring this to life.
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