"When I'm composing, I'm creating a story.
"When I'm composing, I'm creating a story.
Voices Shouting Out
For Orchestra
“Voices" is an artistic response to September 11th. It is a march to acknowledge those fighting on behalf of our safety, and yet a sparkling celebration of life for those of us who continue living."
HARRIET TUBMAN:
When I Crossed that Line to Freedom
An Opera
HARRIET TUBMAN tells of how a young girl born in slavery, becomes Harriet Tubman, the legendary Underground Railroad conductor. Based on recent Tubman biographies and copious research, it is a heartwarming tale of two sisters vowing that nothing but death will separate them, despite the slavery threatening to tear them apart. Libretto by Nkeiru Okoye
BRIAR PATCH
from "Tales from the Briar Patch"
A Sung Story
A rebooted triptych of short operas that tribute the African tradition of storytelling for all ages. Sister Sparrow, Sister Robin and Madame Partridge retell the antics of Bre’r Rabbit and his nemesis Bre’r Fox in “Briar Patch,” Libretto by Carman Moore. The music blends African American musical styles of jazz, blues, and gospel with contemporary concert music sounds. Intended for all audiences.
BLACK BOTTOM
For Orchestra and Soloists
Black Bottom crafts a bold portrayal of the Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods’ musical social life in the 1920s-1960s. Pictorially inspired, Black Bottom transports listeners to this storied place and time through nine movements, set in the area's most popular vein: Hastings Street. Scored for full orchestra and four versatile singers, the music explores the African-American voice as an instrument and the instrumentation as voices.
Breaking Bread
Unaccompanied Viola
Commissioned by Intersection, Nashville for viiolist Amadi Azikwe, "Breaking Bread" is an elegiac etude, fantasy and romance for viola. It has a setting of the spiritual, "Let us Break Bread together On our knees."
CHANGE THIS
For Orchestra and Soloists
Black Bottom crafts a bold portrayal of the Black Bottom and Paradise Valley neighborhoods’ musical social life in the 1920s-1960s. Pictorially inspired, Black Bottom transports listeners to this storied place and time through nine movements, set in the area's most popular vein: Hastings Street. Scored for full orchestra and four versatile singers, the music explores the African-American voice as an instrument and the instrumentation as voices.