SUMMER NEWS
Embers Release:
First and foremost, I am thrilled to announce the preliminary release of Embers, a recording of saxophone music with piano and electronics featuring saxophonist Richard Schwartz. This album features three works of mine (Intervals I, Interruptions III, and Driftwood Box Puzzle) as well as works by Kari Besharse, Ray Pizzi, and Stephen Suber (and performances by Schwartz, Kenneth Boulton, and myself). The recording is a new release by Centaur Records that will have a full release and distribution around October (through such outlets as Amazon and iTunes). At the moment, however, requests for advanced copies of the compact disc can be made through an e-mail inquiry: wheelitzo [at] gmail [dot] com:
By the way, there are *lots* of people that need thanking for making this album a reality. I will be posting this list of wonderful people very soon!
Versipel New Music:
Versipel New Music is a new organization founded by my wife Kari Besharse and myself and fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas. It is dedicated to presenting high-quality, innovative performances of new classical music to the New Orleans area and to educating the public about exciting and stylistically diverse works written by living composers both around the world and at home in Louisiana today.
Versipel has an exciting lineup for its inaugural season which kicks off in October (2014) and features guest artists Christa Van Alstine (clarinet, bass clarinet) and Michael McCurdy (percussion) at the Marigny Opera House. Christa and Mike are based in New York City and will be bringing a diverse program of new and newly commissioned chamber works that they will be playing along with members of the Versipel collective. Check out more details about Versipel (and how to donate to its cause) at its website:
Performances and Commissions:
For the upcoming Versipel New Music season (see above), I have the privilege of writing a new work for Christa Van Alstine and Mike McCurdy (duo for bass clarinet and percussion). Additional Versipel concerts will feature new works for the Iktus Duo (flute and percussion) and for pianist Mabel Kwan.
Monochrome Variations for cello and live electronic is receiving two performances in the foreseeable future, both by cellist Craig Hultgren (for whom the piece was written). The first performance will be on August 23rd as part of the Birmingham New Music Festival, and the following performance will be at the Electronic Music Midwest Festival in October.
Stay tuned for more details on future performances (including the premiere of my tuba-euphonium quartet), and thanks for caring and supporting my music! It means a lot!