11/1/2018

It has been entirely too long since I've updated this thing!  There have been so many events and performances that it's just been hard to keep up.  Suffice it to say that I am so very grateful for all of it and each and every one of you that helped make it happen!

 

In the meantime, I MUST highlight that Three Prayers will be premiered on March 1 on the St. Louis Symphony's Equal Play concert.   I am so very excited to work with soprano Christine Brewer, clarinetist Diana Haskell, and pianist Gail Hintz!  The piece was commissioned by Diana Haskell in 2016, and is hauntingly beautiful, if I may say so.

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Also, I have been commissioned to write a piece for Chamber Project St. Louis, slated to be premiered on March 2 and 9.  I am thrilled to once again be a part of CPSTL's fabulous concert series!

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Many thanks to all!

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4/28/2017

I am greatly anticipating the Quincy Symphony Orchestra’s world premiere of Ignite, which is happening TOMORROW!  I heard the orchestra rehearse last week, and they sounded great!  As always, I think it’s going to be a fantastic concert—lots of great lit besides Yours Truly, so if you get a chance, check it out!

 

Also, music group Double Entendre will appear at Le Cheile on May 9th at 8:00 p.m. and perform, among other things, Featherlight Ballet!  They advertise that it will be an evening of fun, music, drinks and NYC trivia.  I can't imagine they would lie.

 

And, Ravish and Mayhem will once again get to grace the stage, this time at the Oklahoma Arts Institute under the baton of Maestro Philip Mann! 

 

Meanwhile, a giant thank you goes out to Chamber Project St. Louis for an absolutely stunning premiere of Nocturne!  They truly brought the piece to life with grace and loveliness.

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And the same can be said to the members of the Arkansas Symphony who premiered Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Harp--an absolutely stunning performance!  Thank you all so much!  Be sure to check out the recording of the premiere in the Recordings tab--it's a beauty!

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3/13/2017

Hi all!  I want to take a moment to recap what has been a phenomenal year of music making for me!  As is often the case, I’ve been too busy doing things to update my website to tell people of the things I’ve been doing.  And while this is what it is, I do not feel I have given enough attention or thanks to the people who have enabled me to do ALL THE THINGS!  This is regrettable.  But no more! BEHOLD:

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Above is a photo of almost all of the pieces I have written within the past year, lined up and looking pretty.  ALL are the result of commissions.  They include:

• Playgrounds, for Clarinet, Bassoon, and Piano (not pictured).  Details pending on this one, but some day it will see the light!

• Clarinet Etude for Left Hand.  Commissioned by Gabrielle Baffoni and Diana Haskell

• Three Prayers: for Soprano, Clarinet, and Piano.  Commissioned by Diana Haskell, premiere pending.

• Heralding Light: for Brass Quintet.  Commissioned by Nick Brown via the Arkansas Symphony in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Southwest Power Pool.  Premiered Oct. 24, 2016 by musicians of the Arkansas Symphony.

• Graceful Airs: for English Horn and Piano (also flute/piano, and other instruments by request).  An arrangement of Londonderry Air and Amazing Grace commissioned by Beth Wheeler in memory of her mother.  Premiered Aug. 21, 2016.

• Breathe: for Full Orchestra with additional Youth String Orchestra.  Commissioned by the Arkansas Symphony to celebrate the re-opening of their newly renovated concert hall.  Premiered Nov. 30, 2016 by the Arkansas Symphony and members of the ASO Youth Ensembles.

• Freeway: for Low Brass Ensemble.  Commissioned by the St. Louis Low Brass Collective.  Premiered Jan. 17, 2017.

• Ignite!: for Full Orchestra.  Commissioned by the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association.  Premiere scheduled for Apr. 29, 2017.

• Nocturne: for Cl., Bsn., Perc., 2 Vln., Vla., CB.  Commissioned by Chamber Project St. Louis.  Premiere scheduled for Apr. 7 & 9, 2017.

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And these are just commissions!  I have also had the supreme pleasure of being the Arkansas Symphony’s Composer of the Year, which has resulted in two commissions/world premieres (listed above), and performances of Ravish and Mayhem and Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Harp.  I have also been fortunate to be able to perform with the ASO as well, belting it out on E-flat clarinet and making my professional debut on bass clarinet.  And my modest little clarinet studio more than doubled in size; I am so privileged to work with such awesome young people!

 

More than anything, I want to say “thank you” to the multitude of people who have made this past year such a stunning success.  Every commission, every music purchase, every performance, and every lesson I teach not only allows me to live my life, but to give back to the community and contribute to our musical voice.  You have done this; you have enabled me to be the person I am meant to be.  And I thank each and every one of you for your support.

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And of course, it doesn’t end here.  There are already more projects on the horizon and I will be excited to share them with you.  Onward!

 

Bonus: If you’ve read this far, thank you!  As a reward, I will point out that a new recording of Freeway, by the St. Louis Low Brass Collective, has been posted to the recording tab, ready for your listening enjoyment!  Cheers!

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1/14/2017

• Whoo!  I'm getting to the point where things happen and I don't always know about it until right before!  I'm very pleased to announce that the St. Louis Low Brass Collective will be giving the world premiere of Freeway THIS TUESDAY, Jan. 17 at the Sheldon Concert Hall at 7:30pm at their annual gala!  Admission is free, and it will be much fun!  Hope to see you there!

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12/13/2016

• I always look forward to recording day so that YOU can hear the music I keep talking about!  The brass quintet of the Arkansas Symphony, with some help from Lansky Sound, has made a beautiful recording of my brass quintet, Heralding Light.  Be sure to check out the recording under the "Recordings" tab! (or just click my handy link.)  Thank you to all involved for making this possible!

• Speaking of the Arkansas Symphony, they have invited me back yet again to play bass clarinet on their Holiday Pops concert!  This will definitely be a fun one for the whole family, so bring your crew!

• Annnnd, a little departure from my usual musical activities: I am now a published illustrator (what?)!  A dear friend of mine writes children's books and kindly hired me on to help bring this one to life!  It's a beautiful story, and I think the pictures are pretty nice, too, if I may say so.  I would make a great Christmas gift for anyone you know with little ones.  Give it a look if you get the chance!

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11/17/2016

Greetings from Little Rock!!  I'm really looking forward to the premiere of Breathe tomorrow, Nov. 30th at 7pm, and you should, too!  "But I don't live in Little Rock, so I can't hear it," you say?  NONSENSE!  The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will be streaming the concert LIVE!  Click here to listen to the live feed (y'know, tomorrow...because that's when the concert is...).

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11/17/2016

It’s about time for some much needed updates!!  There always seems to be a time when I’m too busy doing stuff to tell people that I’m doing stuff.  That’s probably a good thing.

So, in a nutshell:

• Stuff that happened: Big thank you’s to Midwest Chamber Ensemble for their performance of The Featherlight Ballet, and to the brass quintet of the Arkansas Symphony for an excellent performance of Heralding Light, and of course to Nick Brown and the Southwest Power Pool for commissioning the work!  Also, thank you to the ASO for including me on their Children’s Concert series!

• Stuff that’s happening NOW: I’m currently in Little Rock with the distinct honor of joining the ASO on bass clarinet for their inaugural concert in their newly refurbished hall.  The hall is absolutely beautiful, and the performance is one you do NOT want to miss!  I mean, just check out the rep list…Pines of Rome, enough said.

• Stuff that’s about to happen: So, if I mention ASO a lot, it’s because they keep calling me to perform for some reason, but also because I am their Composer of the Year!  And being their composer of the year, they have very kindly commissioned me to write a piece to celebrate the opening of their new hall.  The piece, called Breathe, will feature the ASO and the youth string orchestra, and will be performed on Nov. 30.  The concert is a “thank you” to Arkansas for all of the support they have received throughout the renovation process, and it promises to be a very exciting event!  I am truly honored to be a part of it all!

• I also have the privilege of adjudicating the Webster University’s Young Composers Competition.  I am always amazed at the sheer level of talent that comes from these young people—it is truly incredible!  And just a little heartbreaking that I have to choose only one winner.  If any of you participants are reading this, when I write “I hope you keep writing,” I MEAN IT.

• In performance news, the Charles River Wind Ensemble, conducted by Matthew Marsit, will be performing Summoning Fire on March 12, 2017.  I’m very excited to hear how it goes!  In addition, Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Harp will be performed on the ASO’s River Rhapsodies chamber series on March 28, 2017.

• Also on the docket is a piece for the St. Louis Low Brass Collective, which will be performed early 2017.  Assuming the piece isn’t a complete disaster, it should be a fun one (but I always say that)!  With this piece, the piece for the ASO, the brass quintet, and two commissions for individuals in St. Louis (and two more commissions still ahead), I have been writing non-stop since last spring (and I got married at some point in there, too!)!  It’s been busy, but it has been SO GOOD!

 

Thank you all for stopping by, and I hope to have more things, soon!

 

8/1/2016

• Happy August, everyone!  Here are a few updates to celebrate! First of all, be sure to check out my bright and shiny new recording of Summoning Fire, by the Mizzou University Wind Ensemble. Thank you all again for a fabulous performance!

• Also, one correction: Arkansas Symphony's performance of Ravish and Mayhem has been moved to Oct. 1 & 2.  Don't miss out!

• And, I have received confirmation that the Midwest Chamber Ensemble's performance of The Featherlight Ballet is on Oct. 9 at 7:30pm.

• That's all for now, but stay tuned; there's more to come!  Peace out!

 

5/14/2016

• I would also like to announce that I have not one, but TWO upcoming commissions (and both from people affiliated with the St. Louis Symphony, no less)!  Diana Haskell, Associate Principal Clarinet, is commissioning me to write a piece for soprano, clarinet, and piano, and Henry Skolnick, Assistant Librarian, is putting together a consortium for a piece for clarinet, bassoon, and piano.  These two are seriously The Best, and it is such a joy to work with them!  Details to follow, as always.  Onward!

 

5/6/2016

• First a big announcement: I have been named the Arkansas Symphony's Composer of the Year!  Among other things, this means they will be performing Ravish and Mayhem on Oct. 22 & 23!  More details to follow as I figure them out.  Thank you, Arkansas Symphony--I love you guys!!

• Next up, I FINALLY have some recordings to share with you!  First is Regal Themes, as performed by the St. Louis Civic Orchestra.  Thank you Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield for commissioning this work!  Sturdy built and with stately gait, Regal Themes draws majesty from the orchestra in this highly contrapuntal fanfare.

• And at long, long, long last is a recording of Knockout, performed by Joyce Berg, my mom (Happy Mother's Day, Mom!).  I really love this piece; it's brash and rude and fun!  Enjoy!

• And a big thank you to the University of Missouri Symphonic Wind Ensemble and conductor, Brad Snow, for a fantastic performance of Summoning Fire!  I thought you all really brought the heat (that wasn't cheesy)!  I look forward to getting a recording and sharing your hard work!

 

3/11/2016

And TODAY's installment is: Stuff that Will Happen in the Future

• First, I must congratulate Nick Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Power Pool, for winning the personalized composition at the Arkansas Symphony Opus Ball. As a result, I will be composing a piece for brass quintet to honor his company's 75th anniversary!  The piece will be unveiled in late October, I believe.  More details to come.  Thank you Nick Brown, for your support of the Arkansas Symphony (and of me!); can't wait to work with you!

• Next up, I am very excited to announce that the Midwest Chamber Ensemble will be performing The Featherlight Ballet!  I love this piece so much, and I am so glad it will get to grace the stage again!  The exact concert date has not been confirmed yet, but I believe the aim is for early October.

• AND, I'm also excited to announce that the University Wind Ensemble of the University of Missouri will be performing Summoning Fire on May 2!  The concert will be at 7:30pm at the Missouri Theatre.  Looks like I'll be making a trip to my alma mater!  I recommend you catch this performance, if you can; that piece is fierce!

That's all for today, folks!  There will be more things trickling in, as I get them confirmed, etc.  Most importantly, keep an eye out for recordings of Regal Themes and Knockout!  You won't want to miss those!  Until then, cheers!

 

3/10/2016

Today's installment: Stuff that has Already Happened

• Regal Themes was premiered by the St. Louis Civic Orchestra on Feb. 20, and was well received by both audience and musician alike!  A Big Ol' Fat "Thank you!" to Edward Dolbashian for his masterful baton work, to the musicians of the SLCO for all of their hard work, and to Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield for generously commissioning the work!  I am so glad to have gotten to work with this orchestra on the composition side, and I was thrilled with the premiere!  Recording to follow, once I get my grubby little hands on it.

  • In case you want to hear about the work, I was interviewed by Kathy Lawton Brown on RAF STL.  You can hear the interview here.

• And another Big Ol' Fat "Thank you!" to the Rochester Philharmonic for their excellent performances of Ravish and Mayhem!  It was truly a fantastic and inspiring weekend; nothing like opening for Prokofiev's Third Piano Concerto and Strauss' Ein Heldenleben!

  • Some press was generated from this performance, too!  Here's another radio interview I appeared in, alongside pianist Vadym Kholodenko and conductor Ward Stare on On Record with Julia Figueras.

  • Also preceding the concert set was this article from the Rochester City Newspaper, and this fantastic interview by Jann Nyffeler in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle!

  • AND, I received excellent reviews from both the Rochester City Newspaper and Rochester Democrat and Chronicle!  Do check them out--I'm quite amused and flattered by what they have to say.

• And, as a compositional challenge to myself, and to help out a friend with an injured clarinet student, I created a Clarinet Etude for Left Hand!  I think it's pretty nifty, especially since I wrote it in two days.  If you are a clarinet player whose right hand is out of commission, wishes to strengthen their left hand, or just wants to play a really cool cadenza-type thing, I have just the piece for you!  Drop me a line!

 

Alright, that's all I'm putting up for today, for I am lé tired.  Check back in tomorrow, when I post "Stuff that Will Happen in the Future!"

 

11/4/2015

• Today I am writing to you from Little Rock, Arkansas, after just having done an impromptu talk about being a composer at Hendrix College in Conway (Thanks to fellow composer, Karen Griebling, for having me!).

• Really, I'm here preparing to perform with them yet again on their Beethoven and Blue Jeans concert tonight and tomorrow.  If you're in the area, come check out the concert!  We're playing Beethoven 8, Swan Lake, and a piece called Black Dog, featuring ASO's principal clarinet, Kelly Johnson.  I could not be more thrilled to be here!  It's great to be back on stage with my AR family!

• In addition to playing with the ASO, I will also be involved with them compositionally!!  They are preparing to have their annual Opus Ball fundraiser, which among other things features an auction.  I might just let you take a peek for yourself and see if you see anything familiar… (Hint: look for "Personal Music Masterpiece")

• Also, I will soon have a wonderful recording of Knockout, featuring my mother on piano (thanks, Mom!).  Stay tuned for that--you don't want to miss it!

 

10/7/2015

• Many things!  First, I would like to direct your attention to a beautiful new recording of Among the Laughing Stars, performed by Alice K. Dade, flute, and Peter Miyamoto, piano.  Many thanks to both of you for capturing the power and elegance of this piece!

• Things are coming along nicely with the piece for the St. Louis Civic Orchestra.  Progress is slow but steady, which I'll take--I find my compositional process involves a lot of stress and solitaire, and somehow a piece of music comes out the other end.  Very mysterious.  Anyway, I'm on their website now (see?), so it's very official.  Whee!!

• Speaking of the Civic Orchestra, I'll be appearing in concert with them on Oct. 30!  This looks like a fun concert for the kids--in addition to being a great excuse to wear their costumes again, the orchestra will be playing works such as Danse Macabre, Night on Bald Mountain, and music from Harry Potter, to name a few.

• I am also pleased to announce that I will be appearing with the Arkansas Symphony on Oct. 22 & 23 on their Children's Concerts!  It's always great to be able to share the classics with young people!

• And last, but DEFINITELY not least, I can now reveal the *secret commission*!  It is a beautiful, lightly Celtic-inspired piece for oboe, horn, and harp called, Trio for Oboe, Horn, and Harp.  It was written as a wedding gift for Leanna Booze and David Renfro of the Arkansas Symphony (and I didn't want to spoil the surprise, hense all the secrecy).  Anyway, many congratulations to them, and I look forward to the eventual premiere!

 

9/10/2015

• I am very happy to announce that Alice K. Dade, Professor of Flute at the University of Missouri, will be performing Among the Laughing Stars on her faculty recital on Sept. 14!  It's just around the corner, but if you're in Columbia, it will be well worth it!

• I am also excited to announce a commission from the St. Louis Civic Orchestra!  The premiere is scheduled for Feb. 20th concert.  I think it might be the opener...I'll get back to you on that.  Either way, I'm really looking forward to working with the orchestra!

• Annnd, for a bit of intrigue, I am also the recipient of a secret commission.  I can divulge no details at this time, so I'll just have to leave you in suspense.  What could it be??  Heh.

 

5/19/2015

• My sphere of influence is apparently growing: a New York based online arts magazine called hocToc did a feature on me!  You can read the interview here.  Thank you, hocToc!

• In other news, I am preparing to start rehearsals at the Lyceum Theatre for their summer line-up!  It shall be busy times, but it shall be good times!  Can't wait to see my Arrow Rock family again!

 

5/9/2015

• Today, I am writing to you from, SURPRISE, Little Rock!  I was called in last minute (earlier this week) to sub on their Broadway pops concert.  So, here I am and it's great to be back, as always!  If you're in town, swing by--the concerts are tonight and tomorrow--really fun stuff!

• Also, I want to thank KCMTA for having me as their guest artist in celebrating their 100th anniversary--it was so wonderful to meet so many influential teachers, and what a privilege it was to get to speak them and share my ideas on music!  Congrats on 100 years of music making, and here's to 100 more! 

• And, just in time for Mother's Day, I want to give a special thanks to my Mumsy who not only bore me into this world, clothed me, fed me, and did not ever leave me in a parking lot (accidentally or otherwise), but also gave a KILLER premiere of Knockout at the KCMTA event!  That was not an easy piece, so way to go, Mom!!

• And, it's confirmed: I will be playing in the pit orchestra for the Lyceum Theatre this summer!  They have a great lineup: Les Miserables, South Pacific, and Will Rogers Follies.  If you've never made the trek out to Arrow Rock, MO, I highly recommend it--it is truly a hidden gem.  Get tickets fast--they sell very quickly!

• AND I have an announcement about something besides ME!  My wonderful fiancé, Tim, is going to be playing with the St. Louis Symphony next weekend on their Final Fantasy concert!  Guys!  This is a Grammy winning orchestra...and he gets to play with them!!  Congratulations, honey; I am SO proud of you!

 

4/20/2015

• I must extend a firm thank you to the Quincy Symphony for their performance of Ravish and Mayhem!  I thought the performance was wonderful and was very well received!  Many thanks for all of your hard work in preparation, for your hospitality, and for selecting my piece in the first place!  Great experience, great orchestra!

• Also, exciting news: I've posted the recording of Summoning Fire!  You can find it under the "Recordings" tab.  Many thanks again to the Parkville Symphonic Band for a wonderful premiere!  Mysterious and smoky, wild and roaring, "Summoning Fire" piece is just as evocative as the title.  Inspired by visions of smouldering embers and great, lashing tongues of flame, the subject matter embodies a uniquely ritualistic feel.  Blazing brass, flourishing woodwinds, and thunderous percussion are balanced with intricate solo-work, contrasting sparse instrumentation with the full power of the wind ensemble. 
   

 

4/16/2015

• Big hearty thank you goes out to the Parkville Symphonic Band for all their hard work on Summoning Fire!  I am greatly looking forward to getting a recording of the premiere, which I’ll post as soon as I have it.  I hear the concert went very well, and the piece was well received.  Congratulations on 20 years of music making! 

• I also want to thank the Arkansas Symphony for having me on board again, playing 3rd/E-flat on Der Rosenkavalier.  I thought the concerts were superb—the orchestra sounded lovely, and the crowd was appreciative as ever!  And, on a personal note, thank you, Arkansas Symphony, for being filled with such wonderful, friendly people!  Little Rock really feels like a home away from home.

• And on to the next thing: Quincy!  I’m really looking forward to meeting the Quincy Symphony and hearing their performance of Ravish and Mayhem!  If you’re in the area, I highly recommend you check it out—Pines of Rome (also on the concert) is always worth a listen!

 

4/3/2015

• Press time!  I was on the radio this morning, helping promote Mizzou's Creating Original Music Project (COMP).  For those who don't know, COMP is a program that encourages composition by kids through a contest, festival, and summer camp.  Their festival is coming up in a few weeks, and they'll be streaming the concert of the winning compositions.  It's amazing what these kids can do!  Listen to the interview here.

• And, I don't know why I didn't post this sooner, but here is an absolutely fantastic interview by Ann Nicholson on The Featherlight Ballet and the DDG Trio.  In addition to hearing the inside scoop on the creating of this work, you can hear a little snippet of the piece itself!

 

3/30/15

• I am so pleased to announce that I will be playing third clarinet/E-flat clarinet on Der Rosenkavalier with the Arkansas Symphony!  It's going to be a wonderful concert, along with Mozart Symphony No. 41 and Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3, to be made all the better by having Yours Truly screech away on the Wee Beastie.  That's my E-flat's name.  Wee Beastie.

  • The only downside is that the concerts are April 11-12, which means I will not be able to be in Kansas City for the Parkville Symphonic Band's premiere of Summoning Fire.  But just because I won't be there doesn't mean YOU shouldn't!  Seriously--it's going to be great fun!  And, Parkvile Symphonic Band, know that my heart is with you ALWAYS!

• Also, and update on the May 5 shenanigans with KCMTA: I will be giving a presentation that morning on: Developing Your Compositional Voice - Imitation is a useful tool when learning to compose, but how does one truly develop their own unique compositional voice?  Through this topic, I take an in depth look at how true listening builds one's knowledge of the musical language, and how to wield it.

• And don't forget to mark your calendars: the performance of Ravish and Mayhem by the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association is coming up on April 18th!

 

3/10/15

• I really cannot thank the DDG Trio for their work with The Featherlight Ballet.  They truly brought the music to life with their musicality and thoughtfulness; I could not be happier!  And, from talking to audience members, I do believe it was very well recieved!  Many thanks also go to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for including me in their chamber series.  It was truly an honor!

  • In case you want to know what all the fuss is about, there's a great recording of the piece in my "Recordings" tab.  You will not be disappointed!

• And, so on to the next thing.  I am eagerly anticipating the Parkville Symphonic Band's premiere of Summoning Fire in April.  I hear tell the rehearsals are going well!  As the title suggests, it's a fiery work for wind ensemble, featuring lots of solo and chamber-type work and plenty of big, bombastic stuff, too.  It's a very exciting piece, and I can't wait to hear it!

• And prepare to get your hands dirty in May--Knock Out, for solo piano, will be premiered on (I believe) May 5, 2015 as part of KCMTA's 100th anniversary celebration!  Where Featherlight is bright and sunny, Knockout is gritty and raucous, slathered with jazz rhythms and harmonies just bizarre enough to work.  Sound gross?  Try it.  You might like it.

  • Note: I don't have all the details on this event just yet (soon, hopefully), but I do know that I will also be giving some sort of presentation around that time, as well.

 

2/11/15

• BIG announcement time!!  I am extremely pleased to announce that the Rochester Philharmonic will be performing Ravish and Mayhem on March 3 & 5 of 2016!  I'll be sharing the concert with Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, and Strauss' Ein Heldenleben.  You can check out their season brochure here. 

• Next, I have just completed a piece commissioned by the Kansas City Music Teachers Association for their 100th Anniversary Celebration!  I'm very pleased with the piece--one of my more adventurous pursuits with wild rhythms and clashing harmonies all in an undeniable groove.  It's gonna way fun.  I believe it will be premiered in early May--I'll need to verify the details, but I believe it will be quite an event!

• A couple corrections because numbers apparently confuse me.  First, the DDG Trio is scheduled to perform The Featherlight Ballet TOMORROW (Feb. 12), not Feb. 21.  Also, the Parkville Symphonic Band will be premiering Summoning Fire on Apr. 12 (not Apr. 9).

• Speaking of the DDG Trio, I wish them the best of luck with their concert tomorrow, and a big thank you to them for a wonderful performance on Jan. 25!  I am really looking forward to seeing them perform Featherlight on March 3 on the "River Rhapsodies" concert series!

• Last but not least, I will be happily joining the St. Louis Civic Orchestra for their upcoming concert on Feb. 21.

 

12/18/14

• I must extend a big, hearty thank you to the cast and crew of Lyceum Theater's A Christmas Carol. I had the pleasure of seeing the Wednesday afternoon performance, and it was stunning! Wonderful acting and singing, beautiful costuming and staging, and the whole bit. Thank you so much for all of your hard work on my music, and I wish you the very best for the rest of the run!

• For anyone who didn't get to see the production this year, it's coming back next year (and I believe every year after that). It's worth the trip!  You can read about it here.

 

11/10/14

• A big thank you to the Parkville Symphonic Band for their wondeful performance of Pick Up Your Sword and Follow Me!  Congratulations on a great concert, and I look forward to working with you all again in the spring with Summoning Fire.

• And I'm very excited to post the DDG Trio's recording of The Featherlight Ballet!  I am so incredibly thrilled at the quality of their work with the piece and with the recording.  You must, MUST check it out in the "Recordings" tab!  A big thank you to the DDG Trio and to Adam Lansky, who did the recording!  A bit about the piece: This is easily one of my favorite pieces to date. My goal was to highlight the full expressive range of the oboe and English horn within this intricately woven setting, from the bright and sunny first movement, the mournfully sweet second movement, to the driving, dance-like third.

10/8/14

• First, I want to remind everyone that the Parkville Symphonic Band and the Platte City Community Band will be performing my piece, Pick Up Your Sword and Follow Me, on Oct. 26 for Platte County's 175th Anniversary (you can see it in my handy-dandy new "Upcoming Events" box to the right).  Also featured on the program is a premiere by Missouri's own, Michael E. Anderson.  Don't miss out!

• I am honored to announce that The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association will be performing Ravish and Mayhem on their April 18th concert, alongside Respighi's beautiful Pines of Rome.  Ticket and venue info can be found here.  The Mayhem lives on!

• Also, the DDG trio is recording The Featherlight Ballet, like, right now.  I eagerly await the results!  Featherlight is developing a life of its own, as the trio informed the that they will be performing it in Conway AR on a concert series called "Under the Dome" on Jan. 25, 2015, and at Harding University on Feb. 12, 2015.  This is in addition to their performance on the Arkansas Symphony's chamber series, River Rhapsodies on March 3.  Onward!

 

 

9/10/14

Well, I’ve got a lot of announcements today, so get ready!  Things have been quiet, but they have not been inactive…

• First of all, I’m very pleased to announce that I will be writing the music for a theatrical production of A Christmas Carol!  Adapted by Quin Gresham, it will be showing at the Lyceum Theatre in Arrow Rock, MO from Dec. 12 – 21.  This is particularly cool: Arrow Rock is a tiny historic town that was founded in 1829, around the time the story takes place.  I believe that the whole town will be decked out in historic holiday décor, complete with restaurants serving traditional meals.  Imagine seeing A Christmas Carol in a town that looks like it came from A Christmas Carol.  DO NOT MISS THIS; it’s going to be amazing!!  Get tickets early—they go fast!

• There will be several opportunities to hear my band music as well: The Parkville Symphonic Band and the Platte City Community Band will be coming together on Oct. 26 to perform a concert for Platte County’s 175th anniversary.  The concert will feature all Missouri composers, including yours truly, with Pick Up Your Sword and Follow Me.  In case you miss it, the Parkville Symphonic Band will perform Pick Up Your Sword again on their November concert.  And, on April 9, 2015, they will be premiering my dramatic new piece, Summoning Fire!  I can’t wait to hear it!

  • Edit-- Almost forgot to give a shout-out to my friend and colleague, Michael E. Anderson, who will also have a piece premiered by the Platte County Community Band on Oct. 26.  He's a wonderful composer, and this will be a great opportunity to hear his music as well!

• In performance news, I will again have the pleasure of joining the Arkansas Symphony for their Children’s Concert series on Oct. 29th and Feb. 6th.  This is a really great opportunity to introduce young people to the symphonic world (and judging by the reaction we got last year, they love it!).  We’ll be performing classics from William Tell Overture and Ride of the Valkyries, to excerpts of the Harry Potter soundtrack and more!

• AND an exciting tidbit about my oboe trio, The Featherlight Ballet: The DDG trio will be recording it in October!  Hopefully I will soon be able to share their wonderful rendering of one of my favorite compositions with you!  Just a reminder, the piece will be performed at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock on March 3, 2015.  Tickets can be purchased here.

 

3/12/14

• An exciting new development for my oboe trio: it has just been announced through the Arkansas Democrat Gazette that The Featherlight Ballet has been programmed on the Arkansas Symphony's River Rhapsodies chamber series!  Mark your calendars for March 3, 2015.  You'll note, the Gazette identified the composer as Alban Berg, rather than yours truly (this explains why they weren't able to find any info on the piece).  I have a feeling this is not the last time this mistake will be made, however I can think of worse transgressions.

 

2/5/14

• Many new things!  First, check out the recording of Among the Laughing Stars!  It's scored for flute and piano and was written in memoriam of a dear friend's husband.  It was premiered as a surprise (and what a surprise!) during the reception at Jeanne Sinquefield's prior to my concert with the St. Louis Symphony.  Many thanks again, Jeanne!  It was very well received, and I think it's well worth a listen.

• Also, I have a press page!  If you're ever curious as to what the media is saying about yours truly, you can find many links there!  And, I have a nice, zesty new bio, complete with media quotes!  Huzzah!

 

1/17/14

• Well, talk about a quick turn-around time--an old piano piece of mine called "Dance!" is going to be performed tomorrow!  The concert is at the Steinway Hall in St. Louis at 6pm.  I believe this concert is focusing on women composers, so it should be a fun and interesting event!

• Also, I now have a recording of Pick Up Your Sword and Follow Me posted under the "Recordings" tab, for your listening enjoyment!  It's a fun piece for young bands, in case you're interested in playing it.  Kids love it!

 

1/14/14

• I want to send a sincere thank you to everyone who made this past weekend so special--I have been simply overwhelmed with the support and congratulations I have received!  Thank you all, who attended the concert or tuned in on the radio!  Thank you, friends and family who traveled in to hear the piece!  And of course, a BIG thank you to the St. Louis Symphony!  You truly brought Ravish and Mayhem to life.  This has been an incredible experience, and I cannot thank you all enough!  Best wishes, and Love always!

 

1/11/14

• The St. Louis Symphony concert last night was absolutely fabulous!  If you didn't see it, you have one more chance TONIGHT, 8pm!  This is a must-see concert, not only for my piece, but also the virtuosic stylings of Adele Anthony on violin in the Nielsen, and the symphony's thrilling presentation of Beethoven 7.  If you haven't already, tickets can be bought here.

•   And if you can't make the concert, but still want to listen in, you can check it out online on KWMU: http://www.stlpublicradio.org/listen.php

1/9/14

• OH MY GOD, people: I just had my first rehearsal with the SAINT LOUIS SYMPHONY. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE GOT TO HEAR THIS --it's going to be UNREAL.  Be there if you can, otherwise check it out online through KWMU from 8pm-10pm (Central time) on Saturday.  Crank up the volume and brace yourself!

 

1/6/14

• Look, Mom, I'm on TV!!  My recent interviews on various news stations can be found on KTVI and KPLR. 

• Also, here is a lovely article from the South County Times: http://www.southcountytimes.com/Articles-Features-i-2014-01-03-191194.114137-Ravish-and-Mayhem.html#axzz2pka6vTlY

• And a correction: I will be interviewed tomorrow for channel 5 (not 9), and it will air on Thursday morning (10am, I believe).

 

1/5/14

• Woooohoooooyyyyy, got some good ones today!  First of all, a reminder that the St. Louis Symphony will be performing my piece, Ravish and Mayhem!  Tickets can be found here (on the Beethoven 7 concert....that's right; I'm opening for Beethoven 7).

• This has been generating a lot of press, including two radio interviews--one of which can be heard here: http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/composer-stephanie-berg-her-st-louis-symphony-debut

• Also, I'm going to be on TV!!!! Check out KTVI (channel 2) at 11, and KPLR (channel 11) at 12 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I will be on channel 9 (I think) at 12. More on that one later.  Oy!

• And, most importantly for the people who can't be there but would like to be, the performance will be streamed LIVE here (or somewhere on this site): http://www.stlpublicradio.org/programs/symphony.php#.UsozmLSaarh