The list of 2010 NFA Finalists.

To purchase a copy of the sheet music, visit my publisher, BRS Music.

The day that my work is premiered is usually an angst-filled affair. While the worries about the performance itself (did the performers rehearse enough? will they make it through the most difficult section? will the audience be bored?) are often at the top of my anxiety list, the logistical and inter-personal concerns are rarely far behind. I always find myself worried about whether or not the performers will make it to the venue on time; whether the performers enjoy playing the piece; whether the performers will remember their music; or whether the performers will find me and rehearsing my music worth the long hours and energy spent.

It’s not often that all these worries and concerns melt away all at once. But, this past Friday and Saturday (May 21/22), I had the distinct pleasure of hearing the Anubis Quartet perform my work Pundits for Saxophone Quartet. Friday, May 21, started like any other day when my music will be premiered. All of the worries and concerns I listed above–including a few others!–were on my mind all day long. I arrived at the venue early and met with Anubis–Ryan Muncy, Sean Patayanikorn, Allison Balcetis, and David Wegehaupt. They’re young and energetic, and full of passion for their craft. These were all good signs, of course, but I’ve worked with other players with the same characteristics only to be sorely disappointed once the performance began.

But, my experience with Anubis was exactly the opposite. Once they began to play, I found myself forgetting about all those worries. Anubis played brilliantly. But, more importantly, I found myself becoming an audience member–as opposed to the uptight composer who really can’t shake his critical capacities to listen. Usually, I don’t enjoy listening to a performance of my work until I’m listening to the recording of the concert a few days later. Even then, it’s really hard to turn off that critical/evaluating part of myself. But, this time, I found myself simply enjoying the playing. Anubis is so gifted, so filled with teamwork and care for each other, that you can’t help but be caught up in just watching them perform. The energy emanating from the stage is, well… I can only use the cliche because nothing else fits… is palpable. These four players are each amazingly talented in their own rights. They’d each have the excuse of their talent to be a bit over-bearing and up-staging in their performances. But, they’re not. The care that they give to showcase each other is evident at every turn.

By the time Anubis performed my work for the second time on Saturday night (May 22), I was the very model of calm and nonchalance. There was nothing to worry about. They had it. And they had it down pat.

I am, obviously, lavishing Anubis with superlatives and accolades. Please don’t think this is borne out of my newly-minted friendship with the quartet or out of some hope to work with them again. Anubis is one of the finest ensembles I’ve ever worked with. It was a pleasure to have them commit their energy to my music. Anubis Quartet’s future is a bright one, I think. Thanks again Ryan, Sean, Allison, and David.

Friday, May 21 8:00 PM
The Secret Theatre
44-02 23rd St.
Long Island City, Queens
Purchase Tickets

Saturday, May 22 8:00 PM
St. Peter’s Church
346 West 20th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
New York, NY
Purchase Tickets 

Anubis will be performing my work, Pundits, for SATB saxophone quartet. I’ve already begun communicating with the ensemble, and they’ve begun rehearsing my work. Anubis member Ryan Muncy has been particularly kind and supportive as they prepare my work. I’m really looking forward to meeting the group face-to-face when they arrive in NYC.

When I was in high school and college, I spent many summers marching in drum and bugle corps. One year, I spent the summer living in Boston and marched with the corps The 27th Lancers. This corps’ standard parade song was O Danny Boy. Whenever we marched in parades, the locals knew that we would play Danny Boy for them. So, up and down the streets of Boston, half-drunk (and often fully-drunk) men would scream like teenage girls at a boy-band concert for us to play Danny Boy. Once the music would commence, they’d often break down in tears and begin sobbing and hugging each other. Ah, Boston in the springtime…

Jessica and Colette’s performances were stellar, and I’m so proud to have worked with such gifted musicians. So, Thank you Jessica and Colette!

My next concert will be with on May 21 and 22 with the Anubis Saxophone Quartet. Once again, this work will be presented on a concert of music with other Random Access Music composers. I’ll post more info when the concert date gets a bit closer.

This past weekend, I received two marvelous performances of my work for solo flute entitled Crazy Cat Lady. My friend, colleague, and new music performer extraordinaire, Christine Perea, was the performer. What I love the most about Christine is her dedication and commitment to new music. She’s a fearless advocate of music that employs extended performance techniques and modern compositional practices. She’s also one of the kindest musicians I’ve ever worked with. Crazy Cat Lady  was written for and dedicated to Christine, with the express intent to make use of her varied talents, and she did not disappoint.

Every once in a while a composer writes a work that he or she is proud of; that is performed well; that is appreciated by the audience; and that the performer of the work enjoys playing. It doesn’t happen often. Crazy Cat Lady  is one of those pieces, and I’m so happy that Christine Perea was part of making that happen. So, to my favorite crazy cat lady: Thanks! If you find video of performances to be distracting, then visit my works list page to take a listen to an mp3.

I’d like to congratulate all the players of the Round Rock Symphony for their commitment, energy, and strong musicality. And, thank you Maestro Huff for your wonderful leadership.

I should have a recording of the two concerts soon, and I’ll post the recordings to my “works list” page as soon as it is available.

Discover Opera! A Show For Family Audiences:Gargoyle Garden 

The Concert Requires Free Tickets. FREE TICKETS may be requested via e-mail, as well as mail order, by phone, or in person. To order free tickets by email, contact:

concertinfo@msmnyc.edu

When requesting free tickets, please remember to include your name, the number of tickets requested, and a phone number (MSM will only contact you by phone if the event details change). Unless you specify otherwise, tickets will be e-mailed as a printable e-ticket. You will receive an automated e-mail confirmation from Vendini, the MSM ticket provider, when your request has been processed.

Date(s): Sun Apr 5, 2009/ Wed Apr 8, 2009
Event Time: 2:30 PM (sun)/ 3:00 PM (wed)
Location: Greenfield Hall (sun)/Ades Performance Space (wed)
Price: Free—Tickets Required
Contact: Concert Office 917-493-4428

Please come if you can!