Derek Smith plays the fierce When the World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes

Derek Smith, principal violist of the New Orchestra of Washington, will give the East Coast premiere of my fierce viola piece When the World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes on Georgetown University’s Friday Music Series this coming September 25th at 1:15 pm McNeir Hall, New North Building. Free! The program also includes John B. Hedges’ Clarinet Sonatina “Gumbo” (2008), and Mozart’s “Kegelstatt” Trio in E-flat, K498.

NoW premieres Elastic Band for chamber orchestra!

On October 2nd and 3rd, 2015 the New Orchestra of Washington, under the direction of Artistic Director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez, will premiere my newly commissioned chamber orchestra version of Elastic Band. The program “Fusion” also includes works by Mackey, Bermel, McAllister, and Hernandez-Valdez. 10/2: Georgetown University and 10/3: AMP Strathmore

Out west with Maestra Barbara Day Turner & the SJCO

Wow! What a whirlwind, action-packed long weekend with the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and the amazing Maestra Barbara Day Turner. I had a great time meeting and giving a presentation to Maestro Anthony Quartuccio’s talented young composers at the Kehillah Jewish High School, giving a preconcert talk for SCJO, hearing rehearsals, meeting the musicians, hanging out with composers Christopher Dietz and Judith Shatin, and, of course, hearing a terrific concert! Most of all I’m excited about writing for BDT and her terrific orchestra (along with co-commisioners the Takoma Ensemble and SONYC). The piece premieres October 11th in San Jose with the other performances to be scheduled soon.