Cadenza Magazine - 2024 Symphony Roster

KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS

Meet the trailblazing violinist

Meet the trailblazing violinist who was named a New York who was named a New York Times “New Yorker of the Year” Times “New Yorker of the Year”

LARA DOWNES LARA DOWNES

A special focus on the pianist’s new

A special focus on the pianist’s new project DECLARATION, celebrating project DECLARATION, celebrating the US Quarter Millennial the US Quarter Millennial Anniversary in 2026 Anniversary in 2026

iiCadenza Cadenza

The Art of Negotiation: The Art of Negotiation: How to “Win” How to “Win”

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Artist News

Cover Spotlight

Interview with Kelly Hall-Tompkins

Artist Spotlight

Interview with Lara Downes

iCadenza Tips

The Art of Negotiation: How To “Win”

Cadenza Roster

Co-Commissions

Youth Orchestra Repertoire

Family Programming

Symphony Projects

Film with Orchestra

Instrumental Soloists

Vocal Soloists

Ensembles

Composers

Composers/Conductors

Conductors/Directors

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

Dear Fellow Arts Leaders,

Last year in my annual letter, I shared that we are on the precipice of a new era in the arts - a time of renewal, reckoning, and revival. After two years of isolation, fear, and constant pivoting, we have recently emerged into a new epoch marked by contrasts: a time of greater stability, but also pronounced change. I encouraged all of us to tap into our creativity and lean into the reality that, historically, during difficult times, the arts take a leadership role in shaping culture and the overall zeitgeist. This year, as we step into these shifts more fully, several major themes are emerging that are impacting our experience both on and off the concert stages:

First, we are very clearly at the start of the AI REVOLUTION. Artificial intelligence is now taking center stage and starting to change how we work, interact, and play. The arts tend to be slow to adapt to new technologies, but already artists are creating extraordinary outcomes using these new technologies, as well as using art to comment on these new interactions with AI. The purists among us will push against this new phenomenon, but none of us can ignore the ubiquity and utility of AI to expand our capabilities and, for better or worse, AI is here and here to stay.

On our roster, you’ll find three AI projects: Clarice Assad’s The Evolution of AI, a groundbreaking concerto for chamber orchestra and AI machine-driven performer; Assad’s RIGGED, a new composition for orchestra, piano, voice, and electronic instruments that hints at both the integration of technology in the compositional process and its potential for manipulation and control within the musical narrative (see page 25 for details); and Adam Schoenberg’s Automation, featuring cellist Yves Dhar alongside his AI/hologram counterpart in a double concerto - one of the first of its kind when it premiered under the baton of Teddy Abrams at the Louisville Symphony two years ago (see page 18). In the coming months and years, we will be seeing more and more integrations between human and AI-generated art and our team is happy to discuss these as well as some other AI-connected projects that our artists are creating.

The second theme is one of UNITY, driven by the need to slow down and reflect as we address the overwhelming sense of division in our country today. As we gear up for the United States’ 2026 Quarter Millennial birthday, several artists are designing inclusive projects that bridge barriers and explore what America stands for today: Pianist Lara Downes, honored as the 2022 Classical Woman of the Year by Performance Today magazine, has spearheaded Declaration, a special project detailed on pages 7-8 and 12, as well as commissioning a vibrant new arrangement of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue by Puerto Rican composer Edmar Colón. Brazilian-born composer/performer Clarice Assad and Kentucky-native violinist Tessa Lark have come together to co-write and perform a double concerto for piano, voice, and violin to recognize the musical diversity that has flourished throughout the Americas. And IndianAmerican dancer, choreographer, and arts activist Preeti Vasudevan has teamed up with percussionist Evelyn Glennie to produce and direct Listen: How A Deaf Girl Inspired Millions To Dream (page 14) - a new family-friendly, fully inclusive show that features music, dance, and ASL interpretive movement to tell Glennie’s powerful story about overcoming all odds to create a life of superior ability.

Finally, we are also seeing an increased interest in FAMILY PROGRAMMING as families pulled together during the pandemic and now seek to diversify their experiences. We have detailed the concerti and projects specifically designed for families and young people, as well as concerti appropriate for youth orchestras on pages 15 and 16.

Beyond these themes, as always, we take pride in representing some of the most forwardthinking, collaborative, and dynamic award-winning artists. For instance, Kelly Hall-Tompkins (our cover artist) teamed up with Emmy Award-winning composer, Jeff Beal, who dedicated Body in Motion for violin and orchestra to her and conductor Leonard Slatkin, and recently premiered this incredible concerto with the St. Louis Symphony. She shares more about this experience as well as her mission to bring classical music to underserved communities in her interview (page 5). I encourage you to take some time to peruse these pages you will see some new faces as well as familiar artists taking new risks, and you’ll see virtuosity on display.

Cadenza Artists is grateful for the trust that our artists place in us and for our roster, which continues to feature preeminent artist leaders, known for their artistic excellence, virtuosity, and courageous willingness to create and perform works that represent our world as it is today and imagine what it might be tomorrow.

With warm wishes,

Julia Levitan

CEO & Co-Founder, Cadenza Artists // President & Co-Founder, iCadenza

NEWS

Earlier this year, violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins premiered Body in Motion, a new concerto written specifically for her by Emmy Award-winning composer Jeff Beal with the St Louis Symphony Orchestra Reviews raved about her “dynamic intensity” and lauded her as a “masterful teller of stories ” (The St Louis American)

We are thrilled to announce Clarice Assad and Third Coast Percussion's brand new concerto PLAY! as one of Cadenza Artists’ newest offerings The piece, which first premiered with Santa Rosa Symphony in the Fall, includes a huge array of sounds and colors and is meant to invoke all the meanings of the word “Play ” Showing tremendous musicianship, it is high energy, engaging, creative, very funny and lush See more information on page 23

In honor of Henry Mancini’s centennial birthday (April 16, 2024) a new album titled The Henry Mancini 100th Sessions – Henry Has Company will be released on June 21, 2024 The new album features artists John Williams, Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval, Quincy Jones, Michael Bublé, Lizzo, Stevie Wonder, and many more Cadenza Artists is proud to represent Moon River & Me, a full evening-length orchestral program starring his daughter, Monica Mancini celebrating her father’s music and legacy More information can be found on page 19.

Coming this Summer, iconoclastic pianist and cultural visionary Lara Downes releases her newest album, This Land - a multi-dimensional musical collage that interweaves archival and environmental sound artifacts to explore a broad and diverse American landscape representing many different versions of being and becoming American Keeping Gershwin’s vision of the “musical kaleidoscope of America” in mind, Downes launched this ambitious project with her single release Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined, celebrating the centenary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with a radical new arrangement by the Puerto Rican composer Edmar Colón

Preeti Vasudevan, Artistic Director, Choreographer, and Producer of Voices of Women (page 11) and Listen (page 14) was chosen out of hundreds of applicants to have two of her dance company’s works screened at the 2024 Puerto Rico Videodance Festival. The festival showcases innovative works from more than 61 countries never seen in Puerto Rico and celebrates the fusion of art, technology and culture.

Renowned composer Michael Shapiro is the 2024 recipient of Ember Choral Arts’ “About Impact Award” for his contributions to choral music across the New York tri-state area and beyond His music, which spans across all media, has been characterized as “possessing a rare melodic gift ” (NY Times) Shapiro is best known on Cadenza’s roster for his original composition for the 1931 film Frankenstein, available for orchestras to play live with the film.

Founder of the Sphinx Organization and advocator for diversity and inclusivity in the arts, Aaron Dworkin received the University of Michigan’s Presidential Award for National & State Leadership for helping aspiring artists and pushing the boundaries of traditional arts education

Check out his orchestral program The American Rhapsody on page 17

With a standing ovation after all 3 performances, the premiere of 28-year old composer Quinn Mason’s newest Trombone Concerto with the Utah Symphony received a sensational reaction for creating a score with “appealing lyrical music” and “captivating involvement from the listener.”

At the age of 85, legendary singer/songwriter Judy Collins is still making headlines. In preparation for her Richardson Symphony performance in Fall 2023, she was the cover girl and featured interviewee for the lifestyle magazine, FYI50+, a bimonthly publication that informs, inspires and entertains the ever-growing population of Americans who are over 50.

KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS

Violinist

Kelly Hall-Tompkins is one of New York City's most in-demand violinists whose dynamic career spans as a solo, chamber, orchestral, and even Broadway performer Also a pioneer of social justice in classical music, we sat down with Kelly to get an inside look at her body of work, newest collaborations, and how she has brought music to underserved communities.

Kelly, the NY Times celebrates you as "a versatile violinist who makes music come alive." Your ability to make the violin truly sing has led you to some exciting collaborations with composers. Can you tell us about the latest concerti that you have focused on and the meaning behind them?

It continues to be an incredibly exciting time and, in addition to my ongoing love of the traditional historic repertoire, yes, I am thrilled for my current projects featuring the work of the greatest composers of our time I am the first violin soloist after the original dedicatée to perform the epic violin concerto of Wynton Marsalis, playing the 45-minute piece from memory. I feel privileged that by the end of these first two seasons with the piece, I will have performed it 16 times, including the upcoming Lucerne Festival Premiere in Switzerland this summer. I love it so much because it allows me to show the breadth of my musical sensibilities, from core classical to American Roots styles

Equally thrilling is my new collaboration with 5-time Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal on a new violin

concerto written for me. The aptly titled Body In Motion is another perfect vehicle for who I am musically and professionally and I am just so excited to begin my life with this amazing piece with some exceptional partners. Our collaboration also includes eminent conductor Leonard Slatkin, with whom I performed the World Premiere with the St Louis Symphony and the European Premiere with the Gran Canaria Orchestra of Spain

Are there any other orchestral works that you are passionate about performing these days?

I absolutely adore performing the historic repertoire, both the pieces we’ve known and those that are finally getting the recognition they deserve, such as the Florence Price Violin Concerto #2 I was thrilled to finally perform the Bruch Concerto for the first time this season and would love to play it more A colleague recently dubbed me as a “songbird”- which is also fitting as I look forward to performing the Lark Ascending for the first time this season, along with my well-traveled Ravel Tzigane A piece for which I feel I have a unique voice and connection is the Beethoven Violin Concerto. But since my sensibilities are broad, I can perform the Beethoven Concerto and my Fiddler Rhapsody on the same program One way or the other, my relationship with the Beethoven is calling me to visit again soon!

Shortly before the pandemic, you branched out into Broadway when you appeared for 13 months as the fiddler in Fiddler On The Roof. What were some of the highlights of that experience?

Composer Jeff Beal with Kelly

"the versatile violinist who makes the music come alive" – The New York Times

My time as the Fiddler/Violin Soloist was one of the greatest personal and professional experiences of my life I was honored that the creative team in our production created numerous new solo moments especially for me in the Broadway score for the first time in the history of the musical Because of that, the highlight of the experience for me was to be able to play interactively with the actors and scenes on stage and sometimes to be heard completely alone in the theater to bring the story to life I am forever moved that the starring actors of the production - Danny Burstein, Jessica Hecht, and others - called me “the soul of the production ” Later I released my album, Fiddler Expanding Tradition, inspired by my experiences with this production

You also have several projects that involve film music on the concert stage. Can you share more about them?

Along with my new concerto, I have been working with Jeff Beal in his world of the silver screen. In his upcoming new film, Can You Hear Me? directed by Charlotte Radford, I was the featured violin soloist Also Max Lewkowitz’s documentary, Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles features my Fiddler Expanding Tradition album, performances on Broadway, and recital in Kiev, Ukraine

In addition to your work on the concert and recital stages, you also work with communities through your nonprofit, Music Kitchen - Food for the Soul. Can you share more about that effort and how it intersects with your collaborations with orchestras in various cities?

I founded Music Kitchen - Food for the Soul as the pioneer organization to bring classical music to those

experiencing homelessness We are now in our 19th year and, since that time, have presented over 130 concerts and over 200 top artists, and reached an estimated 30,000 shelter clients In addition to our regular series in New York and Los Angeles, I love collaborating with orchestras and presenters as part of my solo engagements to help them reach that part of their communities - for the first time in some cases Through such collaborations, we have presented Music Kitchen in places such as Cincinnati, Wichita, Oakland, Nashua, Rochester and even Paris, France

A few years ago, the New York Times named you a New Yorker of the Year, which catapulted you into a new status as an American cultural icon. What did this mean for you and did this expanded conversation widen the scope of your work going forward?

As a lifelong admirer of The New York Times, being named one of their New Yorkers of the Year for 2017 was an unexpected and unimaginable thrill. I am so passionate about my work, both as a violin soloist and as founder of Music Kitchen – Food for the Soul, that it was an honor for my work to be seen and recognized by that august publication I’ve had that honor of being featured in the NYT 3 times, including Music Kitchen’s debut feature and one for my role on Broadway

What do you think orchestras should be thinking about as we head into the next 10 years?

I think orchestras should reach even more into the numerous untapped communities of listeners Though Music Kitchen doesn’t have the burden of ticket sales, it does demonstrate just how vast is the love of classical music when performed by artists who are great communicators

Learn more about Kelly on page 28

LARA DOWNES

Lara Downes is a trailblazing pianist behind some of the most groundbreaking new orchestral works. Cadenza interviewed the artist to learn more!

Lara, you have an exciting new commissioning project to honor the US Quarter Millennial Anniversary. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes! Declaration is a project in development for 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the founding of this nation It's a commission from three leading American composers: Valerie Coleman, Arturo O'Farrell, and Christopher Tin Each is writing a new piece for me entitled, respectively, Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness. This project is a deep dive into these three concepts that are so central to that founding documentconcepts that have always fascinated me in their boldness and scope of vision, realized or not

How did those concepts inspire this new work and what do they mean to you?

I wanted to reflect on what those concepts mean today, to create a new declaration for our time by engaging with many American communities - big and small - and having conversations about what the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness mean to us individually and collectively. We’ll reflect on how we experience these concepts within the framework of our lives, and how we would like to shape our present and future around them.

We are certainly in a time of transformation I think it's also a time of crisis. Of course, when the Declaration of Independence was signed, there was a massive imbalanceto whom those rights were guaranteed, to whom the American promise was made - and I want to reflect on that as well This project is really a broad and nuanced perspective on the troubles and the triumphs of the American experiment

Pianist / Speaker / Curator

You mentioned that you wanted to connect with communities to examine these concepts further. Can you elaborate?

Yes, I'll be going into all kinds of communities and holding workshops to gather texts, ideas, and writings from a wide range of folks With those texts, we’ll create a soundscape, a narration for the concert, so that this project represents a broad range of voices and ideas As different as we are as Americans, as difficult as it is for us to be united in anything, I feel more and more through my work with American music that music is a place where we can exist as a community Music is a place where we can come together, hear each other, listen to each other; where we can share our languages, our stories, our backgrounds, our journeys; where we can find common ground, shared experiences, and realize that our dreams and hopes are very much connected So, I hope that this new declaration that we create is a portrait of our country now and, more importantly, a projection of our country going forward

Speaking of today’s America, toward the end of last year you premiered a new arrangement of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, appropriately titled Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined. What was it like to premiere it and why is it important for you to continue playing this new work in the future?

Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined isn't just a new orchestration. It's really a new reflection of this piece that is so iconic and so beloved I think the 100-year point is an excellent time to understand what this music means in our world today. On a personal level, one of the things I love most about this piece is Gershwin's vision for it He called it his “vision of the musical kaleidoscope of America ” It's celebrating the melting pot And that made me think a lot about what the melting pot was in 1924,

“Lara Downes is a perfect artist for

our

time, a champion of new and neglected music, an extraordinary communicator, a passionate advocate for our art form.”

- Maestra JoAnn Falletta

and what the melting pot is today - how much more expansive the pot is and how many new cultures, sounds, voices, stories, and traditions have come into this country since Gershwin knew it What Gershwin was doing at the time was really an experiment He was reaching into the tradition of jazz and intentionally melding it with the European classical tradition

I've always had this relationship with the piece where I'm thinking, “What are these rhythms and sounds that he is hearing and trying to assimilate and trying to translate?” So together with Edmar Colón - the incredible composer who reorchestrated and reimagined the piece with me - we went back to those roots, the origins of jazz. And of course, in the end, it comes from Africa So there's this huge component of Afro-Caribbean percussion in the piece, digging deep into the rhythms that Gershwin was hearing for the first time. At the same time, we're trying to represent this expanded “musical kaleidoscope” as it exists now In the last 100 years, people have come here from every corner of the globe. So we've included musical elements from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas - a broad picture of American life and culture today We've also constructed the piece so that it's site-specific: everywhere it travels in America, it will reflect local traditions For example, when we premiered the piece in San Francisco, we featured an ensemble of traditional Chinese instruments because of the essential story of Chinese immigration to that region When we go to Dallas, that section will go to a blues ensemble, because the blues have such a deep and rich history in that city. It’s really exciting to engage with local traditions and local sounds wherever we go

I think it's important and wonderful that 100 years later there's a new orchestration available to play, by a young Puerto Rican composer, who represents a really broad and diverse American sound today. And I hope that this version has 100 years ahead of it - maybe 100 years from now, someone else will do something new with this piece

You are one of the most active artists in commissioning new works, particularly by artists of color. Can you share more about that mission and what is coming up next?

I feel like being part of the present and helping to create the future is the most important part of being an artist. If I were to be engaging only with the past, I wouldn’t be doing my job This art form is constantly evolving and constantly redefining itself So to be part of that is the most thrilling thing that I do. A lot of my work has been concerned with addressing the fact that the diversity of this music has historically been either overlooked or intentionally obscured. And that’s created a false notion of who has created American music and who it's for So elevating and excavating the voices of the past is really important in terms of clarifying the lineage, and I’m trying to support that lineage into the future by actively commissioning composers of color It's important to me on a personal level as an artist of color but, more importantly, it's about opening up the doors, widening the invitation, changing the perception of who this music is made by and who it represents. There's nothing more exciting for me than seeing change and the future health and survival of our art form

Billy Childs, one of my most admired American artists, is among the composers who will be writing a piece for me next. I love exploring and playing in the space of American music By expanding the canon, I hope to create exciting and hopeful repertoire for a wider community both now and for next generations.

Learn more about Lara Downes and her projects on pages 12, 21 & 27

iCadenza Tips:

The Art of Negotiation: How To “Win”

by Julia Levitan

What's more important: feeling powerful or getting your way?

I negotiate every single day: with artistic planning teams on behalf of the artists we represent; with partners about how to structure our relationships; with the artists we represent about how to achieve our common goals; with prospective clients to negotiate expectations to a level that we can deliver on; with our staff about how we will tackle a particular goal or project What I have found most fascinating is that, in most negotiations, people think that they are fighting for power in a dualistic context "If I give in on this, I will be perceived as weak" or "If I take a friendlier tone, they will walk all over me" or "If I stand up for what is important to me, I will be viewed as aggressive " When stuck in a power struggle, we can sometimes forget what we're negotiating for in the first place. However, if we are willing to let go of the power dynamics and actually listen to the other person's interests and concerns, we may find that it's not a zero-sum game of winner/loser; it's completely possible that you might arrive at a solution where you both get what you want

Imagine that there is a metaphorical pie In negotiations, people often think that their objective is to get a bigger piece so that the other person gets a smaller one, or even that only one of the negotiators can walk away with the pie (that's the zero-sum situation: if I win, you lose, and vice versa). But in reality, if we think creatively, it’s entirely possible that we can grow the pie so that everyone walks away with a bigger piece For example, if two companies are competing for the same small set of customers, they could instead work together to grow the total number of customers by advertising to a new demographic or by rolling out a set of products to appeal to a broader customer base so that they both grow their companies. But to do this, each needs to be willing to not be the sole "winner" - they will both win much more if they decide that they are willing to collaborate rather than compete

Sometimes the person sitting across from you at the negotiating table is not in a cooperative mindset and is stuck in their own emotional power struggle When you hear that in their voice or see it in their body language, it is tempting to mirror them and react in the same manner which then escalates the struggle Over the years, I've

learned to quickly notice that inclination within myself, take a deep breath, and choose to say “no” to that urge I find that, eventually, the other person sees that I’m not willing to participate in the tense power struggle, and returns to the issue at hand.

Sometimes the person you're negotiating with doesn’t have strong opinions about their position at all; they just want to be heard and respected. Knowing that you hear them and are considering their needs often makes them more interested in helping you attain your own goals Additionally, your willingness to be creative can allow you both to come up with solutions you never had before, possibly benefitting both of your goals

So how do we shift a conversation into pie expansion? Hit the pause button, listen to the other person’s needs carefully and with empathy, and then take a moment to consider how what they want/need stacks up with what you want/need. Does saying “yes” to what they want mean saying “no” to what you want? If so, how can you get creative? And even better: if saying “yes” to what they want does not impact what you want, can you say “yes” and then clearly ask for what you need? Expanding the pie requires discipline and can feel like you didn’t “win” because nobody lost The ego is power-hungry and wants to be proclaimed the winner. But if you achieve that title, have you necessarily won?

I seek to achieve as many win-win negotiations as possible. Not only do they allow me to walk away with something valuable, but they often strengthen my relationship with the other person Bringing good will into a negotiation is very important with people you expect to negotiate with again in the future - in fact, it will make them want to work with you again And for you, it will free up your energy to create more magic elsewhere.

iCadenza is a coaching and consulting firm for professional musicians and arts organizations. Learn more and schedule a complimentary consultation at www.icadenza.com.

THE ROSTER

Voices of Women

Concerto for PROJECT Trio by Quinn Mason ownes, New Works for Piano and Orchestra e Concerto feat. Clarice Assad & Tessa Lark

A Life in Music: Sergio and Clarice Assad

Theatrical Production About Evelyn Glennie

Click Clack Moosic

Peace On Your Wings É Gol!

Cosmic Reflection

Aaron Dworkin's The American Rhapsody omation: A Cinematic Concerto feat. AI cello & Me: Henry Mancini Centennial Celebration

Spencer Day

Judy Collins

Terry Barber

Lara Downes with Brian Stokes Mitchell

The Mute

udy Garrido Flamenco Presents: Amor Brujo

A Fuego Lento PLAY!

VOXtopia

The Evolution of AI Flow Rigged

March of the Penguins

Hercules vs Vampires

Frankenstein Yves Dhar

Aldo López Gavilán

Lara Downes

Vanessa Perez

Kelly Hall-Tompkins

Laurie Rubin

Ariadne Greif

Daniel Ho Trio

The Gavilán Brothers

PROJECT Trio

Clarice Assad

Nolan Gasser

Bruce Broughton

Quinn Mason

José Luis Domínguez

Grant Gershon

Jeffrey Schindler

Elliott Forrest

Elkhanah Pulitzer

VOICES OF WOMEN

Multidisciplinary Commission

"[Vasudevan] can only be described as amazingly purposeful...constantly investigating fresh questions on existentialism and personal identity.” - Vogue "[Assad]...A fresh singer and pianist who is also a first-rate story-teller."– Jazz Times

This multimedia theater project with live symphony orchestra was created by two cultural storytellers: choreographer and producer Preeti Vasudevan and composer Clarice Assad, in collaboration with women from First Nations tribes. It is a story of two immigrantAmerican female artists, living in the US by choice, who form a synthesis between each of their ancestral roots while making meaning of living in an adopted land. Featuring Assad’s original score, three performers/storytellers performing with spoken text, and choreography alongside multimedia projection, their stories are interwoven by connecting with the stories of First Nations women who represent the deep truths of their land and ancestors from multiple regions across America The production will reflect the experiences of women changing their narratives through adversity and sharing expressions of resilience and hope, ever-evolving to allow for present and future realities

Educational components based on the digitizing and filming of stories narrated by storytellers will be available

TRIPLE CONCERTO FOR PROJECT

MASON

TRIO BY QUINN

High-Octane Commission

"[PROJECT Trio]...First rate playing grounded in Classical Music" - Wall Street Journal

"What’s impressive...is Mason’s command of complex orchestral textures…[he] is a most impressive talent, and I look forward to hearing more from him " - Dallas Morning News

With a configuration of double bass, tenor sax, and a beat-boxing flutist, high-energy chamber music ensemble, PROJECT Trio, is working on an exciting new commission by 28-year-old composer, Quinn Mason

Approximately 15 minutes in length, this commission will be written in 3 movements, with the form fast-slow-fast. As it is specifically for PROJECT Trio, the piece will showcase their unique instrumentation and strengths playing together with an orchestra as well as their individual talents This concerto is sure to be a 'crowd rouser' in terms of its energy!

Learn more about PROJECT Trio on pages 15 & 31

Learn more about Quinn Mason on pages 15, 16 & 34

NEW WORKS FOR PIANO AND ORCHESTRA LARA DOWNES

DECLARATION

July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, founded on the principle that its citizens should be guaranteed the unalienable rights of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” In partnership with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and NPR, American pianist Lara Downes observes this anniversary with a triptych featuring three new works that reflect on the complicated history of that audacious and elusive promise, and express the hope for its fulfillment

LIFE: by VALERIE COLEMAN

DECLARATION begins with an intimate reflection on the beauty and fragility of life, the shared humanity that connects us, and the potential we hold to protect and cherish one another in intention and action.

LIBERTY: by ARTURO O’FARRILL

A poignant and buoyant work that travels the long road of American history to acknowledge the courageous struggle for freedom, and to celebrate the progress that has been hardwon across generations as we work to realize the promise of liberty as an unalienable right for all Americans.

PURSUIT

OF HAPPINESS: by CHRISTOPHER TIN

A vivacious and audaciously optimistic rhapsody that celebrates the ideals pursued and deserved not just by every American but by all human beings, regardless of origin or identity.

OCEANS TO CROSS: by ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN MORE CO-COMMISSIONING OPPORTUNITIES:

A piano suite in 3 movements inspired by the human journeys of migration, identity and imagination - the common languages of music and mission that can unite us across oceans and histories in the pursuit of beauty.

TOTAL ECLIPSE: by CLARICE ASSAD

A piano concerto inspired by the total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 that explores all the colors of the instruments through the prism of sound. This new work also refers to the light and darkness of our life journeys that have shaped the lives of both composer and soloist in recent years.

BRIDGES: by MICHAEL ABELS

A concerto that unfolds as a suite of musical conversations between piano and orchestral soloists, each inspired by a historic milestone. Gradually these strands come together as the full orchestra unites, with the piano as a constant leading voice of hope and possibility.

Honored as 2022 Classical Woman of the Year by Performance Today

DOUBLE CONCERTO FEAT. CLARICE ASSAD & TESSA LARK

Latin/Folk/Jazz Commission

"[Assad]...a talent beyond compare." - All Music Guide

"[Lark]...provided a lovely lyricism and rhythmic inflection that connected palpably." - artsBHAM

As we prepare to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, we must recognize the musical diversity that has flourished throughout the Americas From the colorful rhythms of Latin America to the soulful jazz born in New Orleans, the sounds of this continent are rich, varied, and constantly evolving

To celebrate this incredible diversity and bridge the gap between South and North American music, Brazilian-born composer/performer Clarice Assad and Kentucky-native violinist Tessa Lark will join forces to co-write and perform a double concerto for piano, voice, violin, and standard-sized orchestra

A LIFE IN MUSIC

Family-rooted Guitar & Voice Commission

"A veritable musical dynamo." - San Francisco Classical Voice

Family, love, and a musical bond have driven these two incredibly inspired musicians and father-daughter pair to create a piece that celebrates their life in music.

Long-time collaborators Sergio and Clarice Assadwho were recently nominated for a GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary Music for their album with Third Coast Percussion, Archetypes - will again join forces to create A Life in Music, a piece for guitar, voice, and orchestra.

This story-telling musical rhapsody in concerto form aims to evoke many endearing, sweet, complicated, and challenging emotions that come with profound relationships. It is an ode to a life in music, a reflection of the in-depth bond and respect the father and daughter share

LISTEN

Inclusive Family-Friendly Commission

"Radiant" Publishers Weekly

This blending of dance, music, theatre, sign language, stage design, and visual projections is a lively and imaginative interpretation of Shannon Stocker’s book, Listen - the story of internationally renowned percussionist Evelyn Glennie who lost her hearing almost entirely when she was 12 and went on to become the world's most famous percussion soloist The story focuses on the resilience and grit of the young Evelyn to question societal taboos and emerge as a powerful role model for those dealing with either physical and emotional challenges or are labeled "disabled" by society

Perfect for families, this multimedia piece turns the phrase "no you can't" on its head and connects audiences to the power of overcoming challenges in pursuit of one’s dreams The story of young Evelyn underscores inclusion, equality, courage, and curiosity about the unique talents that each of us possesses Performances include ASL and musical interpretation for those impacted by audism or hearing limitations as integral parts of the choreography, story, and production.

Listen calls for everyone to see and hear things differently - like experiencing our senses magically for the first time in our lives - and is thoughtfully designed to be fully inclusive in consultation with Gallaudet University, a leading resource for the international deaf and signing community

Seeking additional commissioners for co-commissioning presentations between Summer 2025 and Fall 2027. Also seeking workshopping opportunities as well as funding support and presentations

*Most members of this creative team were born with or developed hearing impairment or limitations early in life.

Monique Holt Co-Director & Performer*

Shannon Stocker Author & Libretto Consultant

Evelyn Glennie Story & Music Consultant*

Raphaelle Thibaut Composer*

Preeti Vasudevan Artistic Director & Choreographer

DANIEL HO PROJECT TRIO

An exciting cross-over ensemble that has worked with over a million students. From classical to jazz to salsa, many works from their orchestral repertoire are tailored specifically for youth orchestras Some orchestras they’ve worked with include Louisville Youth Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (Portland), Empire Youth Orchestra (Greater New York), and Tallahassee Youth Orchestra, just to name a few.

Youth Repertoire for PROJECT Trio + Orchestra: Finale of William Tell - Rossini

Hungarian Dance #5 - Brahms Rondo alla Turca - Mozart Bouree - Jethro Tull/JS Bach

Original PROJECT Trio Music for Trio + Youth Orchestra:

Djangish - Django Reinhardt inspired French Hot Jazz

The Bodega - Original Salsa inspired William Tell - Cool Bluesy tune

*All of our music can be arranged for any instrumentation and level

Read more about PROJECT Trio on pages 11 & 31

Six-time GRAMMY® award winner deeply committed to youth education and musicianship, including developing ukulele programs for schools, online, and at-home learning His ensemble performs with youth orchestras and provides all charts for his original compositions ranging from world music, contemporary Hawaiian, contemporary classical, contemporary jazz, and pop with elements of folk, acoustic rock, and reggae Orchestras he has worked with include the ʻIolani School Orchestra, Arcadia High School Orchestra, El Camino College Orchestra, and Stanford Chorale and Orchestra, among others

Highlighted Youth Repertoire for Daniel Ho + Orchestra: Aloha Pumehana Pineapple Mango

The Spam Song

Soaring on Dreams

Living In Paradise

Waimea Bay

When You Grow Up ... and many more

Read more about Daniel Ho on page 30

QUINN MASON CLARICE ASSAD

Still under age 30, Quinn is one of the most sought after young composers in the country When not writing, Quinn travels the US working with different youth orchestras performing his works, as well as guest conducting them Recent collaborations include the youth orchestras from Houston, Dallas, Central Kentucky, and Chattanooga, as well as the National Youth Orchestra of the United States and Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles.

Highlighted Youth Repertoire Includes: Toast of the Town Overture

Inspiration! Overture

Rise to the Occasion

Irish Dance Suite

Svítání

Motivated by writing works that inspire and encourage audiences’ imaginations, Clarice’s works harness the incredible power of music to connect people and transform lives through original pieces, commissions, and education programs that help empower young voices. Her youth-oriented works inspire and encourage the imagination, and her recent collaborations include the youth orchestras from Chicago, Boston, Quad City, and the Unviversity of Maryland.

Highlighted Youth Repertoire Includes: Boncecos De Olinda (Full Orchestra)

Baião 'N' Blues (Full Orchestra)

Nhanderú (Full Orchestra & Reduced Orchestra)

Três Pequenas Variações (String Orchestra)

Read more about Quinn Mason on pages 11, 16 & 34

Read more about Clarice Assad on pages 11, 13, 16, 23-24 & 32

CLICK CLACK MOOSIC

A musical storytime event featuring the popular Click Clack Moo! series of children’s books set to original music by the Helix Collective’s resident composer, Phil Popham. Perfect for ages 3-7, the concerts include live music performances with projections, an interactive talk, and an instrument “petting zoo” The series includes separate concerts of each of the three books - Click Clack Moo, Giggle Giggle Quack, and Dooby Dooby Moo - and is intended to be performed either as a stand-alone presentation of the first book or as a multi-season series Originally commissioned by West Michigan Symphony, the series has been their goto educational concert for over 10 years

PEACE ON YOUR WINGS

Peace on Your Wings is a fun, inspiring, and poignant poprock youth musical with traditional Japanese influences

The show is based on the true-life story of courageous young Sadako Sasaki and her 1000 paper cranes in 1950s post-war Hiroshima, both of which which are now worldwide symbols of peace and hope and are the inspiration for an enduring International Children’s Peace Movement This production is both timely and on-trend, taking on multiple issues including friendship, bullying, teamwork, illness, social conflict, and the power of community to create an incredibly uplifting, joyful, and educational family show It will make you laugh, cry, think, and soar

CLARICE ASSAD’S É GOL! WORKS BY QUINN MASON

É Gol! is inspired by the best female Brazilian soccer player, Marta Vieira da Silva It explores moments of her life and culminates with a soccer match soundtrack finale The piece is scored for full orchestra and the audience members who are not passive listeners but are part of the score as active participants Led by Assad, the audience goes in and out of sections by performing sound effects, singing, performing simple body percussion movements, and other exciting textures that either match or contrast with the music played by the orchestra

More Family Programming Works by Clarice Include: Sin Fronteras

Brazilian Fanfare

Boitatá

Ode to Carmen Miranda

Breakthrough young composer Quinn Mason is passionate about making music accessible to people of all ages Having discovered classical music while listening to the radio, by age 10 he was teaching himself to compose by writing down his improvisations Creating community is important to Mason, who sees music as a form of conversation that can inspire a deeply personal soul connection with others. His narrativedriven compositions typically reflect on rebirth, renewal, and the embodiment of joy

Family Programming Works Include:

A Joyous Trilogy, mvt 1: Running Inspiration! Overture

This is the Rope Christmas Eve Festivities Princesa de la Luna

COSMIC REFLECTION

Narrated Symphonic Work

Through its music and text, this 45-minute narrated symphonic work conveys the majestic 13 8-billion-year history of the Universe, commissioned in 2009 by NASA and Stanford University to commemorate the 1st International Symposium of the FERMI Space Telescope Cosmic Reflection presents the story of our Universe in an educational and aesthetic manner: from the Big Bang and Inflation to the birth and death of the first stars as Super Novae; from the birth of galaxies to the rise of life on Earth; and the eventual cold dissipation of the Universe. With a score by critically acclaimed composer and architect of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project Nolan Gasser, and a libretto by popular physicist Lawrence Krauss and members of the Stanford University physics community, this work is accompanied by a stunning video created by the visual design team at NASA Goddard and jaw-dropping images from the James Webb Space Telescope launch

Malcolm McDowell, the brilliant English actor, has signed on to narrate the work both for media releases and for forthcoming live performances in the US and internationally (schedule permitting).

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A Cinematic Concerto AUTOMATION

This groundbreaking human/artificial intelligence "double" concerto explores the conflicts and connections between man and machine through a captivating journey that appeals both to regular season ticket holders and new, younger audiences

Franco-West Indian cellist Yves Dhar and his holographic AI counterpart ("AGNES") interact on stage with the orchestra in a trail-blazing new composition by GRAMMY® nominated, Emmywinning composer Adam Schoenberg that features cello, halldorophone, electronics, orchestra and projected visuals.

With extraordinary use of visual and audio technology, a lush orchestral score, and a powerful storyline, we are proud represent one of the most poignant yet easy to produce, high tech projects that has emerged on the orchestral scene

Learn more about Yves Dhar on page 26

“Automation is perhaps one of the best new pieces that have been performed by our Orchestra in many years. The piece was like a rollercoaster ride I didn’t want to end. Stunning from first note to last, I am still craving to hear more.” – Arts-Louisville.com

MOON RIVER & ME

Henry Mancini Centennial Celebration

“Monica Mancini is the glamorous vocal equivalent to diamonds flashing.” – New York Times

2024 marks the centennial birthday of this musical giant, and we honor Henry Mancini’s mastery with a concert celebration of his film scores and beloved standards During his 40-year career, Mancini became a household name and won 4 Oscars, 20 GRAMMYs® (including the first Album of the Year), a Golden Globe, and a posthumous GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award Accompanied by vocals and film montages, this tribute features works ranging from The Pink Panther Theme to Moon River, as well as favorites such Charade and The Shadow of Your Smile.

It’s a true family affair starring his daughter and double GRAMMY® nominee, vocalist Monica Mancini, and son-in-law, Gregg Field (winner of 8 GRAMMYs® and Latin GRAMMY® “Producer of the Year”) on drums and producing the show.

In 2024, CBS broadcast behind-the-scenes documentaries about new Mancini recordings featuring John Williams, Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval, and Quincy Jones

SPENCER DAY

Pop Jazz Singer/Songwriter

"Cool jazz sensibilities, cleverly crafted tales" - The Washington Post

Spencer Day, the #1 Billboard charting pop/jazz singer and songwriter, has headlined venues from Birdland and Lincoln Center to the Hollywood Bowl and London’s West End Day is widely acclaimed for creating witty and sophisticated pop songs in the tradition of classic jazz American writers

Known for his unique sense of humor and distinctive original songs, Spencer has been called “prodigiously talented” by The Village Voice, “Compelling” by Time Out NY, and “Brilliant” by The San Francisco Chronicle Frequent collaborators include Post Modern Jukebox, and GRAMMY®nominated artists such as Dave Koz and Jane Monheit

*Orchestral Programs Include: Broadway by Day

A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald

A Tribute to Frank Sinatra

*Complete orchestration for 18-piece big-band

JUDY COLLINS:

WILDFLOWERS TOUR

Folk Singer Icon

“Collins has earned that ‘legend’ distinction as much by interpreting and inspiring songs as she has by writing or singing them…” – Edmonton Journal

With an impressive career spanning over fifty years, legendary singer/songwriter Judy Collins has thrilled audiences worldwide with her unique blend of interpretative folk songs and contemporary themes Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, has been entered into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame

This transcendent artist takes audiences through gorgeous renditions of standards from the American Songbook, as well as some of the most beloved songs from her catalogue of more than 50 releases accompanied by brand new arrangements for symphony Her beloved Wildflowers orchestral program includes several original pieces from her 2022 album Spellbound (with all songs written by Judy and nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY®).

Judy Collins is represented in partnership with Fleming Artists

TERRY BARBER

Classical/Crossover Countertenor

“ ... performances of great vitality and verve” - LA Times

With an extraordinarily broad vocal range and natural fluency in many musical styles, rare countertenor Terry Barber has been featured on some of the world’s most storied stages and has worked with many of the music industry’s most prestigious figures As a past member of the GRAMMY® winning group Chanticleer, his voice can be heard on every major record label with a range of artists from Madonna to the London and New York Philharmonics.

Terry's programs include a broad range of repertoire, and he is committed to making his performances simultaneously accessible, enjoyable, and inspirational

Orchestral Programs Include:

Classical for Everyone

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

The Christmas Presence

EleMenTrio: “A Modern 3 Tenors”

LARA DOWNES with BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL

A New World A-Comin' - The Birth of the American Sound

"A musical ray of hope " - NBC News

Broadway legend and two-time Tony Award Winning Brian Stokes Mitchell and trailblazing pianist Lara Downes join together for a revelatory evening of music and conversation reflecting on the transformative expansion of music from the first half of the 20th century Celebrate the musical legacies of George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and other pivotal composers who shaped the sound and spirit of American music as we know it today

This project originated with the Boston Pops, and the artists perform beloved classics including Sophisticated Lady, Lush Life, and Rhapsody in Blue, as well as rare musical gems from the Golden Age of American music

Learn more about Lara and her projects on pages 7-8, 12 & 27

SIUDY GARRIDO FLAMENCO PRESENTS:

AMOR BRUJO

Flamenco/Dance Theatre

“The new introduction included Garrido’s solo dance as a widow in black in ecstatic mourning. It was mesmerizing…” - LA Times

Siudy Garrido Flamenco reimagines and expands upon the original masterpiece by Manuel de Falla, Amor Brujo (“Love, the Magician”), which premiered in 1915 and again with additional orchestration in 1925 It tells the story of Candelas, a young widowed gypsy tormented by the specter of her late husband, and her struggle to adapt to life without him.

With her established brand of expert fusion of the timeless and the contemporary, Artistic Director and Choreographer Siudy Garrido tells this dramatic story of spells and sorcery from the perspective of flamenco, in which the voice of the traditional mezzo-soprano singer is substituted with gorgeous and moving Flamenco singing. Originally commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, it premiered at Walt Disney Concert Hall with four sold-out performances and has since been staged alongside many prestigious Philharmonic orchestras on famed stages, including Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl.

Two versions are available: 45 minutes and 75 minutes

A FUEGO LENTO

A Latin American Celebration

“Latin exuberance, European refinement and great energy…” San Francisco Sentinel, USA

A Fuego Lento is a new collaboration between two brilliant Latin American pianists and a multi-genre arranger With the goal of adapting the classical piano music concert to the vibrant, colorful musical traditions of Latin America, this collective aims to pull together audiences with music that will celebrate life and inspire reflection

Pianists Vanessa Perez and Latin GRAMMY® winner Kristhyan Benitez join forces with music arranger Stephen Buck to fuse the virtuosic and expressive tradition of classical piano with the artistry and reach of popular and folk styles Vanessa recently collaborated with Bill Murray on both the concert tour and film version of Beyond Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization, Kristhyan won the 2021 Latin GRAMMY® for Best Classical Music Album, and Stephen is the man behind some of the most innovative, entertaining, and stimulating concert experiences today.

Learn more about Vanessa Perez on page 27

NEW PROJECTS BY CLARICE ASSAD

A powerful communicator renowned for her musical scope and versatility, Brazilian-American Clarice Assad is a significant artistic voice in the classical, world, pop, and jazz genres. The GRAMMY® nominated composer, celebrated pianist, inventive vocalist and educator is acclaimed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range.

NOW PERFORMING IN FIVE NEW ORCHESTRAL PROJECTS INCLUDING:

PLAY!

Spirited New Concerto With Third Coast Percussion

Clarice Assad and GRAMMY® winning Third Coast Percussion team up to present a brand new concerto in 3 movements for percussion quartet, vocalist, and symphonic orchestra, incorporating narration, theatrical elements, sound effects, and foley. The piece includes a huge array of sounds and colors and is meant to invoke all the meanings of the word “Play ” From embracing unique visions that lead to magical encounters with kindred spirits to the journey of self-discovery, urging us to embrace inner brilliance and shine in the world, “Play” has always meant exploring new worlds and finding awe in the little things This work seeks connections through playful art, transcending differences and worries and uniting us in a harmonious symphony of life.

VOXTOPIA

Multi-Cultural Full Evening Length POPS Concert

VOXtopia is a groundbreaking concert featuring a symphonic orchestra and three exceptional singers from diverse musical traditions

In addition to Clarice Assad, artists include Varijashree Venugopal, renowned master of classical Indian music whose enchanting voice and virtuosic mastery have captivated audiences worldwide, and Chistylez Bacon, a leading figure in the hip-hop and beatbox scene from Washington, DC, with unparalleled vocal percussion skills and dynamic stage presence

This collaboration creates a well-rounded and unique fusion of sounds, seamlessly blending Brazilian rhythms, tango, jazz, Indian classical music, hip-hop, and beatbox The result is a musical alchemy that transcends boundaries and celebrates the universal language of music

The Evolution of AI Thought-provoking Concerto

For Chamber Orchestra & Performer on electronic devices acting as a hybrid human AI machine inside a musical experiment, this contemporary musical piece explores the relationship between human artistry and artificial intelligence The four-movement work follows the journey of the human-AI hybrid being as it reboots, collects data, learns, and creates music Through each movement, the “hybrid machine” awakens, engages in a dynamic dialogue with the orchestra, merging technology and human expression, and absorbs and adapts Western compositions The finale concludes as the hybrid composes music in real-time, venturing into uncharted territory before it experiences an unexpected glitch, leaving its fate uncertain The piece questions the boundaries of creativity and the implications of human-AI collaboration through the metaphor of the evolving machine

FLOW

Emotion-Filled Piano Concerto

A suite for piano and orchestra in 3 movements, Flow is a musical journey through the symbolic currents of emotions, and explores themes of change, resilience, and the passage of time. All the movements connect seamlessly, each representing a different dynamic ebb and flow of emotions and experiences. From a sense of urgency to a moment of introspection and reflection, to bursts of renewed energy, this work affirms the idea that even in the face of challenges, the capacity to adapt and emerge stronger exists

RIGGED Tech Focused Concerto

SEEKING CO-COMMISSIONERS

A composition for orchestra and one performer on piano, voice, and electronic instruments, "RIGGED" aims to explore the complex interplay between classical and modern musical elements to create a unique sonic landscape blending the familiar with the transformative The title 'RIGGED' is a play on words, hinting at both the integration of technology in the compositional process and the potential for manipulation and control within the musical narrative Featuring an array of diverse instruments, this piece showcases the vast potential for expression and experimentation, inviting the listener to consider the implications of technology's increasing role in the creative process

ALL ABOVE WORKS WRITTEN BY AND FEATURING CLARICE ASSAD

WARNER BROS. PRESENTS:

MARCH OF THE PENGUINS HERCULES VS VAMPIRES

Film with Live Orchestra

“A delightful, wholesome experience for the family ” - Washington Post

Oscar-winner for Best Documentary in 2005 and the secondhighest grossing documentary of all time, this beloved documentary with beautiful, sweeping music offers a familyfriendly experience In this production, the film screening is accompanied by a live orchestra conducted by Maestro Jeffrey Schindler, conductor of the original movie soundtrack and one of the most prolific music directors in Hollywood Orchestrations are available for either full or reduced symphonic orchestra. 2025 will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film’s release!

Suggested Instrumentation: 35-55playerstotal.Strings,3Winds,4Brass,4 1Piano,1Harp,1Synthesizer

ReadmoreaboutMaestroJeffreySchindlero

FRANKENSTEIN Film with Live Orchestra

“The audience was riveted to their seats. The the live music with the classic film was hypno Tomaro, Cashbox Canada

This is the ultimate audience experience for a tru and is a popular addition to any season, particula Halloween programming The 1931 cinematic ma Frankenstein, was originally released without a m score, thus inspiring prolific composer/conductor Shapiro to fill the void by creating an original sou years later. In this production, Shapiro’s lush and atmospheric 70-minute score is performed live u with various alternative instrumentation

Currently, the score is available for Symphony O (full), Chamber Orchestra (15 players), Wind Ens players), and Operatic Ensemble (in any instrum configuration with the addition of 5 SATBB solo v choir)

Full Orchestra Instrumentation: 26 players total: 8 Winds, 9 Brass, 5 Strings, 1 T Percussion, 1 Piano

Film with Live Orchestra & Voices

“The score was rich in harmony, clever in melodic line, and especially brilliant in orchestration” - Classical Voice of North Carolina

Fresh and full of fun, an atmospheric new operatic score by composer Patrick Morganelli provides the perfect accompaniment to Italian filmmaker Mario Bava's gorgeously gaudy world of the 1961 film "Hercules in the Haunted World " Combining mid-century pop culture and opera while synchronizing live music with film, Hercules vs Vampires allows the actors projected on the silver screen to sound like opera singers for one night The production has been staged with the Los Angeles Opera, Nashville Opera, Arizona Opera and the North Carolina Opera.

YVES DHAR

Cellist

“…the richly textured sounds of Yves Dharamraj’s cello all contributing amply to the sense of Brahmsian warmth ” – New York Times

Captivating audiences with his lush tone “that might be described as something akin to rich old wood” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), Yves Dhar has earned a worldwide reputation as a “technically and interpretatively outstanding” (STRAD) cellist Known for his charm, innovation, and innate ability to connect with audiences, the Franco-West Indian cellist is invited by leading orchestras, presenters and arts organizations to perform, inspire and innovate on the world’s major stages. Past highlights include appearances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center (New York); the Kennedy Center (DC); Orchestra Hall, Ravinia Festival, and Chicago Cultural Center (Chicago); and Disney Hall (LA)

Highlighted Works Include:

Beethoven: Triple Concerto, Opus 56

Dvorak: Concerto in B minor, Opus 104

Elgar: Concerto in E minor, Opus 85

Kabalevsky: Concerto no 1 in G minor, Opus 49

Saint-Saens: Concerto no 1 in A minor, Opus 33

Shostakovich: Concerto no 1 in E-flat major, Opus 107

Read more about Yves' special AI project with composer Adam Schoenberg, Automation, on page 18

ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN

Classical & Jazz Pianist

“...dazzling technique and rhythmic fire, LópezGavilán is something to behold.” - The Seattle Times

AldoLópez-Gavilánisaninternationallyrenownedjazz andclassicalpianist/composerfromHavana,Cuba.

Dubbeda“formidablevirtuoso”byTheLondonTimes, Aldoexcelsinboththeclassicalandjazzworlds performinghisownelectrifyingcompositionswith orchestrathatareeasilyadaptableforanyaudience.His firstpianoconcerto,Emporium,isanelectrifyingaddition toanyorchestraprogram:thepiecebeginswithvibrant andupbeatrhythmstosetthetoneoftheperformance, thenbecomesmorecomplexandintricateasit showcasesAldo’svirtuosicskillperformingintricatesolos andduetswithothermembersoftheensemble,then culminateswithastunningandpowerfulfinale.

PastandupcomingperformancesincludeClassical TahoeFestivalOrchestra,BoulderPhilharmonic Orchestra,OrquestaSinfónicadeCaldas,FestivalNapa OrchestraWestMichiganSymphony,Shreveport Orchestra,AlexandriaSymphonyOrchestra,Lancaster SymphonyOrchestra.

Read more about Aldo's orchestral work with his brother on page 30

LARA DOWNES

Classical Pianist

"Expect glamour with substance” - WQXR, New York's Classical Music Station

American pianist Lara Downes is an iconoclastic trailblazer whose dynamic work as a sought-after performer, Billboard Chart-topping recording artist, NPR personality, curator, and arts advocate positions her as a cultural visionary on the national scene. Called “an explorer whose imagination is fired by bringing notice to the underrepresented and forgotten” (The Log Journal), Lara seeks inspiration from the legacies of history and collective memory to create a series of acclaimed performances that serve as gathering spaces for her listeners to find common ground and shared experience Downes’ recent and upcoming onstage adventures include guest appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Pops, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Highlighted Works Include:

Florence Price: Concerto in One Movement

George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Billy Strayhorn/Chris Walden: A Lovesome Thing:

Billy Strayhorn Suite

Duke Ellington: New World A-Comin’

Aldo López-Gavilán: Ocean to Cross (for Lara)

Margaret Bonds: Credo

VANESSA PEREZ

Classical Pianist

"a kind of wild intensity that was often breathtaking " - Washington Post

A frequent collaborator with violinist Daniel Hope, cellist Jan Vogler, and actor Bill Murray, and recently featured on the show Mozart In The Jungle, Perez is widely regarded for her bold, passionate displays of technical virtuosity and keen sensitivity A product of the energized musical culture of Venezuela, Ms Perez “is not to be taken lightly” (The Washington Post).

Performance highlights include the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, a collaboration with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra under John Axelrod in Germany, concerts with the Orquesta de la Juventud Simon Bolivar under Gustavo Dudamel in Caracas, working with Conductor Nikolaj Znaider and the Teresa Carreño Youth Orchestra, the Casals Festival, and the Chopin Festival in Mallorca

Highlighted Works Include:

Ravel: Piano Concerto in G

Prokofiev: Concerto No 3

Mozart: D minor No 20

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No 2

Falla: Nights in the Gardens of Spain

The following double piano concerti: Poulenc, Mozart (No 10 K365), and Latin Rhapsody

Read more about Vanessa's orchestral duo program, A Fuego Lento, on page 22

“Lara and I hit it off instantly! She is a thoughtful artist and a wonderful collaborator Most importantly, she is a terrific human being "

Maestro Thomas Wilkins

KELLY HALL-TOMPKINS

Classical Violinist

Recognized as a 2017 “New Yorker of the Year“ by the New York Times and frequent collaborator with conductor Leonard Slatkin, Kelly Hall-Tompkins has appeared with many of America’s most prestigious orchestras and was the “Fiddler” violin soloist for a 13-month run on Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof

Also acclaimed as “the versatile violinist who makes the music come alive” (New York Times), with “searing intensity” (American Record Guide), Kelly is trailblazing an innovative, creative and entrepreneurial career as a soloist and chamber musician.

Highlighted Works Include:

Wynton Marsalis: Violin Concerto in D

Jeff Beal: Body in Motion

The Fiddler Expanding Tradition: Orchestrated selections from Fiddler on the Roof

Florence Price: Violin Concerto No 2

Beethoven: Violin Concerto

Barber: Violin Concerto

Recent & Upcoming Collaborators:

St Louis Symphony (World Premiere of the Jeff Beal Violin Concerto); Madison Symphony Orchestra; LA Chamber Orchestra, Lucerne Festival, Baltimore Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic; California Symphony; Symphony Tacoma; Memphis Symphony; Oakland Symphony; Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (Music of Bruce Adolphe); Allentown Symphony; Orlando Philharmonic; Western Piedmont Symphony (Bruch Violin Concerto)

LAURIE RUBIN

Mezzo -Soprano

“a young mezzo-soprano whose voice is darkly complex and mysteriously soulful” - Los Angeles Times

Having performed around the world in recital, opera, and with orchestra, Laurie Rubin’s mezzo-soprano voice, spirit and story captivate audiences like no other. Born blind, Rubin has concertized with orchestras and opera companies worldwide to tremendous acclaim, including high praise from the New York Times chief classical music critic Anthony Tommasini, who wrote that she possesses “compelling artistry,” “communicative power,” and a voice that displays “earthy, rich, and poignant qualities ”

Highlighted Works Include:

Lisa Bielawa: Centuries in the Hours (for conductorless Chamber Orchestra, written for Rubin)

Bruce Adolphe: Do You Dream in Color? (for Chamber Orchestra, written for Rubin)

Haydn: Scena di Berenice

Mozart: Don Giovanni

Poulenc: La Voix Humaine (partially staged)

The Girl I Am (Autobiographical pops program featuring arrangements by Jenny Taira with music from Dear Evan Hansen, Into the Woods, The Greatest Showman, Carousel, and more)

ARIADNE GREIF

" one of the most searingly painful and revealing operatic performances of recent times..." - NY Times

Greif, praised for her "luminous, expressive voice" (NYTimes), her "elastic and round high notes" (classiqueinfo), and her "mesmerizing stage presence" (East Anglian Daily Times), began her opera career as a ‘boy’ soprano in the Los Angeles area and at the LA Opera, eventually making an adult debut singing Lutoslawski’s Chantefleurs et Chantefables with the American Symphony Orchestra She starred in roles ranging from Therese/Tirésias in Poulenc’s Les Mamelles de Tirésias, singing a “thoroughly commanding and effortless” run at the Aldeburgh Festival, a "sassy" Adina in The Elixir of Love with the Orlando Philharmonic, to Sappho in Atthis by Georg Friedrich Haas, for which the New York Times noted her “searing top notes” and “dusky depths,” calling it “a solo highwire act for Ms Greif a vehicle for Ms Greif’s raw, no-holdsbarred performance ”

Her mesmerizing voice has her gracing halls across the globe, appearing alongside The Knights, Metropolis Ensemble, Gabriel Kahane, Mélange, and others

Highlighted Works Include (soprano solo):

Mahler: Symphony No. 4

Beethoven: Symphony No 9

Mahler: Des Knaben Wunderhorn

Britten: Les Illuminations

Berg: Sieben Frühe Lieder

Alma Mahler all songs

Mozart: Requiem

DANIEL HO TRIO

Hawaiian Multi-Instrumentalist

“One of the undisputed masters of the instrument” - Ukulele Magazine

Daniel Ho’s simple philosophy of presenting music with sincerity and artistry has earned him six consecutive GRAMMY® Awards, number-one albums on national airplay charts, and top-ten albums on Billboard.

Showcasing his prodigious skill on ukulele, slack key, and piano, Daniel has performed his original compositions with several orchestras as a soloist and as a trio along with the GRAMMY® nominated Hālau Hula Keali'i o Nālani, a revered dance-andvocals group known for its commitment to ancient hula and Hawaiian culture

Highlighted Works Include:

Haiku, solo ukulele with orchestra Waimea Bay, piano with orchestra When You Grow Up, piano lullaby with orchestra Soaring on Dreams, piano, cello, and drums with orchestra

THE GAVILÁN BROTHERS

Electrifying Cuban Duo

“Aldo is a skilled jazz improviser with an impressive technique…while Ilmar’s soaring violin rose above the fray with memorable melodies...” - The Boston Musical Intelligencer

Aldo López-Gavilán – an internationally renowned jazz and classical pianist/composer – and his brother Ilmar Gavilán – GRAMMY® winning violinist and first violinist of New York’s famed Harlem Quartet – are performing together as The Gavilán Brothers and are taking the U S by storm after being featured in the PBS documentary Los Hermanos / The Brothers, which tells the story of their separate but parallel lives as musicians

Past orchestral appearances include Chautauqua Festival Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional (Cuba), Orquesta de Cámara Música Eterna, Orquesta de Cámara de la Habana, Orquesta Juvenil Amadeo Roldán, and New England Conservatory’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra

PROJECT TRIO Chamber Ensemble

PROJECT Trio is a passionate, high energy chamber music ensemble comprised of three virtuosic composer/performers from Brooklyn, New York. Blending their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles, the group has made an impact on audiences of all ages.

The Wall Street Journal hailed the Trio for their “wide appeal, subversive humor, and first-rate playing.” The New York Times has called beatboxing flutist Greg Pattillo “the best in the world at what he does."

PROJECT Trio has performed with several orchestras around the country, including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and many more.

Highlighted Works Include:

Scatter for PROJECT Trio and Orchestra by Adam Schoenberg Upcoming New Work for PROJECT Trio by Quinn Mason

PROJECT Trio repertoire, including original music and arrangements Education Concerts/Family Pops program

“The level of virtuosity is high and the players always come through”

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Donald Rosenburg, The Plain Dealer

ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN

Composer / Pianist

“López-Gavilán is not only a formidable virtuoso, but also exceeds in works that require extraordinary color and fascinating sounds " - The London Times

Aldo's authentic voice has a genre-defying sound rooted in European classical traditions, Latin jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms Drawing from a range of colors associated with Schumann and Ravel's work, Aldo's compositions weave a layered tapestry described as magical, optimistic, and at its core, deeply soulful

His work has been played by orchestras such as the Classical Tahoe Festival Orchestra, Boulder Philharmonic, Orquesta Sinfónica de Caldas, Festival Napa Orchestra, West Michigan Symphony (2021), Shreveport Orchestra (2022), Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra (2022) and soon with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and Lancaster Symphony Orchestra

Highlighted Works Include:

Oceans to Cross, piano concerto for pianist Lara Downes - currently seeking additional cocommissioning orchestras

Emporium, Aldo's first piano concerto Concertino for clarinet and orchestra

Learn more about Aldo as a soloist on page 26

CLARICE

ASSAD

Composer / Performer

"Clarice Assad is quite simply a phenomenon who has streaked across the world’s musical landscape like one of those comets that appears just once in a lifetime " – Latin Jazz Network

A powerful communicator renowned for her musical scope and versatility, Brazilian-American Clarice Assad is a significant artistic voice in the classical, world, pop, and jazz genres The GRAMMY® nominated composer, celebrated pianist, inventive vocalist and educator is acclaimed for her evocative colors, rich textures, and diverse stylistic range

The prolific composer has more than 70 works to her credit, including numerous commissions for Carnegie Hall, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Boston Youth Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, San Jose Chamber Orchestra, the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and the La Jolla Music Festival, among others. Her compositions have been recorded by some of the most prominent names in classical music, including percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, and oboist Liang Wang Assad’s music has been performed by the London Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, Queensland Symphony, and the Orquestra Sinfônica de São Paulo She has served as a composer-in-residence for the Albany Symphony, the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, New Century Chamber Orchestra, and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

CADENZA ROSTER - COMPOSERS

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Composer

“Gasser’s work definitively accomplished everything it set out to do, and then some: the music was mesmerizing.” – Oakland Tribune

Dr. Nolan Gasser is a critically acclaimed composer, pianist, and musicologist – most notably, the architect of Pandora Radio’s Music Genome Project and the company’s chief musicologist from its founding in 1999.

With a Ph D in Musicology from Stanford University, his original compositions have been performed in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, David Geffen Hall (Lincoln Center), the Kennedy Center, La Salle Pleyel (Paris), and the Rose Bowl (Pasadena), among many others. Classical compositions include an opera, The Secret Garden, commissioned by San Francisco Opera; The World Concerto for cello, erhu, oud, sarangi, and orchestra, premiered by Maya Beiser; Cosmic Reflection for orchestra and narrator, premiered at the Kennedy Center and recorded by the Baltimore Symphony; and an oratorio, Repast: An Oratorio on the Life of Booker Wright, premiered at Carnegie Hall.

Learn more about Cosmic Reflection on page 17

BRUCE BROUGHTON NOLAN GASSER

Composer

“Award-winning composer Bruce Broughton received the Lifetime Achievement Award as one of a handful of 'Hollywood Greats' who have contributed on the highest level to the film experience.” – WME Entertainment

GRAMMY® nominated and Emmy award-winning composer Bruce Broughton is best known for his many film scores such as Silverado, Tombstone, The Rescuers Down Under, The Presidio, and Miracle on 34th Street (1994), as well as his television themes including JAG, Dinosaurs, and Steven Spielberg’s Tiny Toon Adventures

Highlighted Works Include:

Cello Concerto

Piccolo Concerto

Viola and Strings, commissioned by St. Martin in the Fields

Composer/Conductor

"His music rises like rays of sun to come alive with bright colors...[and] flows easily into a...melancholy reverie"

– Herald-Tribune on Sarasota Orchestra performance

Quinn Mason (b 1996) is a composer and conductor based in Dallas, TX, and is Artist-in-Residence of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra He recently served as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Roots Composer-in-Residence - the youngest composer to fill that role - and as the inaugural composer-in-residence for the Austin radio station KMFA

As a composer, his music has been or will be performed and commissioned by over 100 renowned orchestras including, among many others: the National Symphony Orchestra; the San Francisco, Detroit, Seattle, Utah, Fort Worth, Dallas, Vermont, Memphis, Richmond, Amarillo, Kansas City, Knoxville, and New Haven Symphonies; the Minnesota and Sarasota Orchestras; the Rochester, Buffalo, and South Carolina Philharmonics; Italy’s Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI; and the UK’s Sheffield Philharmonic

As a conductor, Quinn studied with Marin Alsop, James Ross, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and others. He has guest conducted with orchestras around the country, including: the National, Hartford, and West Virginia Symphony Orchestras; Houston Ballet Orchestra; and the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles

Highlighted Works Include: A Joyous Trilogy Toast of the Town Inner City Rhapsody

Learn about a commissioning opportunity on page 11

JOSÉ LUIS DOMÍNGUEZ

Composer/Conductor

“José Luis Dominguez in an indisputably exalted situation ” - Las Últimas Noticias

Chilean composer/conductor José Luis Domínguez is a prominent talent on international orchestral and operatic stages His conducting is described as “unrivaled, magnificent and with exemplary gesturing” (El Mercurio)

Recent commissions as a composer include the ballet La Casa de Los Espíritus (The House of Spirits), which premiered with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago and was hailed an “absolute triumph ” Other commissions include a Violin Concerto for Jason DePue, Oboe Concerto for Jorge Pinzón with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá in Colombia, and upcoming violin, harp, cello concerti.

Recent and upcoming appearances have included the Houston Symphony, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Filarmónica de Buenos Aires, the Orquesta Sinfónica de Chile, the Orquesta Sinfónica Universidad de La Serena, the Orquesta de Cámera de Chile, and the world-renowned Semanas Musicales de Frutillar held in Frutillar, Chile, at Teatro del Lago

José Luis is Music Director of Bucks County Symphony Orchestra and Temple University-Boyer College of Music, and Artistic Director of New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra.

GRANT GERSHON

Conductor

“In the pit, Grant Gershon could do no wrong ” - Opera Today

Grant Gershon has led performances at San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Wolftrap, and beyond He currently serves as Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and as Resident Conductor of the Los Angeles Opera Composer John Adams says, “Grant Gershon is one of those rarities we call the complete musician. My respect for his musicality - for his conducting, his extraordinary musical intuition and his formidable ear - knows no bounds ”

JEFFREY SCHINDLER

Conductor

“Conductor Jeff Schindler is nothing short of ideal ” - Josep Pascual, Spanish critic

Jeffrey Schindler enjoys a dynamic international career that takes him from concert podiums around the world, to the scoring stages of Hollywood, to the recording studios of London. Jeffrey’s award-winning artistry melds imaginative and illuminating performances with expressive and powerful technique, impeccable scholarship, and vibrant energy. He has conducted nearly 150 performances of Harry Potter, Star Wars, Amadeus, and many other film with live orchestra productions in partnership with CineConcerts, AVEX, and others

ELLIOTT FORREST

Multimedia Designer/Director

"I let the music and visuals waft over me and got completely lost in the beauty ” - Long Beach Symphony Patron

Elliott Forrest custom tailors the concert experience - from high-concept projects to pops concerts - through the design and imaginative use of integrative multimedia Forrest has been a partner for directed programs at venues that include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Houston Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, The Atlanta Symphony, The Pasadena Pops and the Little Orchestra Society in New York

Learn about about Jeffrey conducting the live film with orchestra score, March of the Penguins, on page 25

ELKHANAH PULITZER Director

“Powerfully impressive... fearless in (her) dramatic imagination.” – San Francisco Chronicle

CADENZA ARTISTS

www.CadenzaArtists.com info@cadenzaartists.com