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Already ten days into the new year, 2009, I am finally committing myself to yet another blog post.  It took me awhile because I spent most of December performing, packing, moving, celebrating, unpacking, organizing, and planning.

I didn’t plan on making any resolutions this year; but in light of recent events in Palestine and Israel, I decided to make a change.  You see, sometimes everyday life can discourage, frustrate, and irritate.  I think this is one of my personal weaknesses, that I emotionally succumb to the cuts and scrapes garnered by tripping over life’s hurdles and climbing its steep, rough grades.

Yet, look at the people of Gaza, and see how real their pain and suffering is.  They don’t suffer from mere  skinflint cuts and bruises.  They are wounded at the core, and their pain is beyond that which I am capable of understanding.

My resolution is to complain less, to appreciate what I have here, and to be more aware of the disparity between my life here and those who are less fortunate.  I think we all should be aware of our blessings, and never take them for granted.

Aside from resolutions, I have an announcement.  My piece, “In pace” from Sempiterna, will be receiving its world-premiere performance by the San Francisco State University Chamber Singers, under the direction of renowned conductor, Vance George.  Here are details:

Friday, 13 March 2009 - 1:00 pm
SF State University
Knuth Hall, Creative Arts Bldg.
19th Ave. @ Holloway, SF

Saturday, 14 March 2009 - 8:00 pm
SF Conservatory of Music
Concert Hall
Box office: 415-503-6275
50 Oak St., SF

The concert will also feature the music of my SFCM teachers, David Conte and Conrad Susa, in addition to Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Bernstein.  Considering the composers with whom my composition will be featured, coupled with the fact that Vance George (a great master conductor) will be conducting and the SFSU Chamber Singers (an excellent college choir) will be singing, this is a great honor!  I am thrilled, and anticipate the concert eagerly.

I will be present at both concerts, so if you can make it, I hope to see you there!

Below is an audio file of members of Schola Cantorum San Francisco reading “In pace.”  Enjoy, and happy new year!