parola.org

The October 11th Ateneo Chamber Singers concert and premiere of my new work, “De profundis,” is quickly approaching! Info:

Ateneo Chamber Singers - Jonathan Velsaco, conductor
Saturday, 11 October 2008 @ 8:00 pm
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, S.F. [map]
Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/44923

In the first post announcing this concert on my blog, I somehow neglected to include Wayne Eastwood in the local composer roster. His work will also be performed at this concert. My apologies to Mr. Eastwood.

Other news: my orchestral piece, “The Long Valley,” is nearing completion.  I have about 10 minutes of music written, with a 1-2 minute chunk of the development section missing.  Of course, when I say done, I mean the reduced score is almost done, which, once complete, will be quickly orchestrated.

Schola Cantorum San Francisco just wrapped up a weekend of acclaimed performances.  The repertoire for the series was plucked from the time of King Henry VIII, including a few pieces by the infamous monarch himself.  These performances also marked ScholaSF’s inaugural concerts with artistic director, Paul Flight.  Read the review in San Francisco Classical Voice, found here.

On a side note, I saw Dawn Upshaw perform with the San Francisco Symphony a week-and-a-half ago at Davies Symphony Hall.  It was more than a concert, it was a party!  I had so much fun there.  With John Adams, Dawn Upshaw is one of my heroes, and this event was particularly exciting because it marked the first time I’d ever seen her live.  She was even more brilliant in person than I anticipated.  For many years now, I have been romanced by her artistry via recorded media; but, the impact of her mere presence, albeit egoless, subdued, and most sincere, cannot be overstated.  She is the truest of artists, who so keenly brings to the act of performance her mission to serve the intentions of the composer, without diminishing (or glorifying, for that matter) the authenticity of her personality.  I can’t wait to see her again.

For now, that is all.  See you on October 11!