ENMU Professor Creates Symphonic Magic

By Todd Fuqua

It was in October of 2019 when PARMA Recordings approached Mark Dal Porto (faculty) to compose a short orchestral fanfare for the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO). No stranger to symphonic composition, Mark humbly accepted the offer.

The result is “Bucolic Celebration,” depicting a commemoration and salutation of the joys of country life in the United Kingdom.

“It begins with several playful statements in the woodwinds meant to evoke pastoral images and feelings from the listener,” Mark said. “It then gradually increases in volume, energy and speed with more dynamic statements from brass, strings and percussion, ending in a virtuoso and whirlwind display of delight, pleasure and exultation.”

Mark Dal Porto worked remotely with the London Symphony Orchestra from his home in Portales to record his composition “Bucolic Celebration.”

Photo by Tracy Carr

Mark didn’t need to travel to London for the rehearsals or recording. Instead, he met with the production team, symphony conductor and musicians online to work on tempo, pitch, rhythm and other musical concerns. The recording was postponed many times due to the COVID-19 pandemic before the LSO finally recorded the piece in February.

Mark has eight works recorded by PARMA Recordings available to the public, including the piece “Romance for Oboe and Piano,” recorded by Mark at the piano and his wife, Tracy Carr (faculty) on oboe.

Other albums featuring his music are Peace, Nature & Renewal, Dances of Eternity, and Figments (Vol. 1). All are available at novanarecords.com and other retail outlets.

“Bucolic Celebration” is one of many pieces composed by 11 composers from around the world who were contacted to participate in this project. The final edit is set for a CD release in October 2022.