From lush melodies and jazz-inflected rhythms to music born of war, resilience and cultural memory, this concert takes audiences on a journey across continents and musical traditions.
The musical journey begins with William Grant Still’s lush Romance, the first known concert piece for saxophone by an African American composer. Next, immerse yourself in the brilliant three-movement Concertino by French composer Jeanine Rueff. Featuring a jazz-inspired final movement, audiences will be certain to dance the rest of the night away following this delightful and joyous music. The California premiere of Seattle-based composer Karen P. Thomas’ When night came reflects the horrors of the war in the former Yugoslavia and, in particular, the atrocities committed against the women of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Partly a lament, the piece is also a tribute to the strength and resilience of these women. Czech composer Jindřich Feld’s substantial Sonate pushes the boundaries of sonic and technical virtuosity in this highly flavorful composition. Last but certainly not least, embrace the rich melodies of Retorno (Return) by Costa Rican composer Federico Molina Campos in this U.S. premiere.
For more information about the artists, visit the program.