NEWS
Boston Globe: "Inspired by Psalms, composer sets to music her years spent battling cancer"
posted: July 2011
My first chorus and orchestra piece, "Expectans expectavi" got a brilliant write-up in the Boston Globe, and was later reviewed: "The highlight was a world premiere by Abbie Betinis...brooding, dissonant...bold...managed to feel both cathartic and unresolved." Thank you Chorus pro Musica and Betsy Burleigh for this extraordinary commission.
Abbie's first New York Times review!
posted: June 2011
The New York Times writes: "...But the freshest of these pieces was the program's finale, Abbie Betinis's inventive, richly melodic 'Long Time Trav'ling.'" Thank you New Amsterdam Singers and conductor Clara Longstreth!
"Run, Toboggan, Run" (SATB chorus) wins Editors' Choice Award 2011
posted: May 2011
Sheet music distributor J.W. Pepper calls the piece "an absolute gem... Composed by the grand-neice of the legendary Alfred Burt (The Alfred Burt Carols), this delightful piece will let your singers feel as though they're on a toboggan, following the contours of the melody over joyful chord progressions and smooth key changes. It's an invigorating ride for everyone! Highly recommended!" Study the score, listen to the recording, or order sheet music here: Run, Toboggan, Run.
NPR Music names Abbie in top 100 "Composers Under 40"
posted: Apr 2011
NPR Music and New York's WQXR received almost 800 suggestions for their listeners' favorite composers under the age of 40 before narrowing it down to 100 of the "most promising young composers in the world." I made the list (!), alongside my heroes Nico Muhly, John Mackey, Tarik O'Regan, Joby Talbot, and Esperanza Spalding.
Launching the Independent Music Publishers Cooperative at ACDA!
posted: Feb 2011
If you're going to be at the National ACDA convention in Chicago March 9-12, please visit the exhibit hall! I will be exhibiting as part of a booth with seven other composers you know and love: Elizabeth Alexander, Jocelyn Hagen, Linda Tutas Haugen, Edie Hill, J. David Moore, Joan Szymko and Tim Takach! We'll have 250 titles that you won't find anywhere else. Look for us near the escalators, 'cause we're goin' up! Haha. (Actually, we are near the escalators.)
2010 Yields Record Sheet Music Sales for abbiebetinis.com!
posted: Dec 2010
Thank you to so many of you who ordered sheet music through this website in 2010! Two pieces have sold nearly 2,000 copies ("Be Like the Bird" and "In the Bleak Midwinter") and the 5-mvt women's chorus piece "From Behind the Caravan" has sold an astonishing 1,246 copies! Thinking about ordering music for next year? Visit the new and improved order form here.
Annual Burt Family Carol postponed
posted: Nov 2010
Many of you know I write a new carol every Christmas to honor the tradition my great-grandfather began in 1922 (and his son Alfred Burt continued). Since my health continues to be my top priority, the 2010 carol will be presented on Minnesota Public Radio in early 2011. No worries though, it's still getting done! Just slowly. More info here.
G. Schirmer publishes "Dormi, Jesu" in the Dale Warland Series - posted: May 2010
G. Schirmer writes: "With homage to Bruckner and Messiaen, the gentle phrases and rich harmonies of this contemporary Latin setting will resonate throughout your performance space." Study the score, listen to the recording, or click to order here: Dormi Jesu.
Cancer returns, preparing for bone marrow transplant - posted: April 2010
I'm sorry to report I've been recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma for the third time. I'll be taking some time away from commissions and other collaborative projects to undergo a bone marrow tranplant in June, and will post updates on my Facebook Fanpage as I am able.
Three pieces being performed at North Central ACDA! - posted: Mar 2010
Hooray! Bar xizam (Upward, I rise) and Chant for Great Compassion will be performed by the St Olaf Choir and Manitou Singers, and Cedit, Hyems will 're-premiere' with Cantamus (Iowa State) in a new arrangement for SSAA, all at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
St. Olaf Choir champions "Bar xizam (Upward, I rise)" on East Coast tour - posted: Feb 2010
"A whirling, soaring vision of the soul after death," the gestural Bar xizam (Upward I rise), for mixed chorus and soloists on a medieval Persian text, was reviewed as "a high point" on The St. Olaf Choir's winter tour. (And they call Sufi mystics ecstatic!) Read the review from Mechanics Hall.
Listen to Abbie's new carol on Minnesota Public Radio - posted: Dec 2009
Each Christmas, Minnesota Public Radio invites me to premiere a new carol written in the tradition of my great-grandfather (Rev. Bates Burt, father of composer Alfred Burt). The 2009 carol is "Be Like the Bird," a canon for 5 voices.
"In the Bleak Midwinter" has ALMOST sold 1,000 copies! - posted: Nov 2009
Abbie's best-selling piece this year is her arrangement of Holst's "In the Bleak Midwinter," selling 953 copies since the BYU Singers performed it last Christmas. There's a special surprise for the choir member who receives the 1,000th score! Who will it be? Order here!
Cantus to tour the USA with "Yhinx: An Ancient Greek Love Charm" - posted: Sept 2009
Cantus, the award-winning men's vocal chamber ensemble, will include "Yhinx: An Ancient Greek Love Charm," a binding spell cast around a fire, on their 2009-2010 touring program celebrating the energy of the elements. (They're even going to Alaska!) Are they coming to a town near you? Check Cantus's 2009-2010 tour schedule.
Sorel Medallion finalist "Mary and Gabriel" to make Carnegie Hall debut - posted: June 2009
The racy (and somewhat irreverent) Mary and Gabriel for soloists, chorus and percussion has been named one of three finalists for the annual Sorel Medallion award in New York, and will be performed by the acclaimed chorus Voices of Ascension in Carnegie Hall this October.
ABBIE RECEIVES MCKNIGHT ARTIST FELLOWSHIP (and finally uncrosses her fingers) - May 2009
These prestigious fellowships, sponsored by the McKnight Foundation, are intended to reward artistic excellence and to support composers who have reached a critical point in their career development. The judging panel heard three recent works: Nattsanger (Nightsongs), From Behind the Caravan, and Mary and Gabriel.
Summer workshop with Zeitgeist - posted: May 2009
Zeitgeist has generously offered Abbie a place in their Composer Workshop, where, alongside colleagues J. Anthony Allen and Justin Merritt, she will be able to use this fantastic ensemble like the laboratory she's always wanted... while hopefully sketching out a new piece for bass clarinet, piano, and percussion.
"Nattsanger" receives Honorable Mention in ASCAP Morton Gould awards - posted: April 2009
Abbie's song cycle on the Norwegian poetry of Rolf Jacobsen has received honorable mention in ASCAP's esteemed Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. Listen to the cycle for high voice, clarinet, and piano here.
Feb 27-28, 2009: Harvard Festival of Women's Choruses - posted: Feb 2009
Harvard University has invited Abbie to join composers Hilary Tann, Carol Barnett and others at a composer/conductor roundtable, and to hear Cornell University Chorus and Cappella Clausura perform her music. See the calendar for details.
"From Behind the Caravan" on Winnipeg New Music Festival - posted: Feb 2009
I recently had the pleasure of hearing the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's New Music Festival featuring the University of Manitoba Women's Choir on my five-mvt set "From Behind the Caravan: Songs of Hâfez" and an appearance by cellist Matt Haimovitz. CBC radio archived the show here.
ACF Encore grant supports "Clan of the Lichens" with Lindsay Kesselman - posted: Nov 2008
Thanks to an Encore grant from the American Composers Forum, Ohio-based soprano Lindsay Kesselman will be adding my song cycle "The Clan of the Lichens" to her 2009 tour repertoire, giving concerts at Kent State, Rice University, and The Schubert Club in St. Paul.
Schubert Club commissions two new chamber works - posted: Oct 2008
The Schubert Club (St. Paul, MN) has commissioned a violin/cello duet, and a new work for horn trio, both expected to premiere in the 2009-10 season.
Yale Glee Club to perform "Long Time Trav'ling" on 2009 Tour - posted: Sept 2008
The Yale Glee Club, under the direction of Jeffrey Douma, will be taking Long Time Trav'ling on tour to the Northwest U.S. in January, and to South America this summer. The program also includes a Ned Rorem premiere and the winning piece from Yale's emerging composers competition.
Maria Jette to perform "Nattsanger" at American Composers Forum Showcase - posted: Aug 2008
Soprano Maria Jette, clarinetist Paul Fonfara, and pianist Sonja Thompson will perform the third movement from my newest song cycle Nattsanger (Nightsongs), on September 19, 2008 at 5:30 pm, at MacPhail Center's beautiful new Antonello Hall (501 South Second Street) in Minneapolis.
Looking for new Christmas Carols? - posted: July 2008
If you are a conductor planning your upcoming season, please take a moment to check out my seven original Christmas carols, written in the tradition of my great-uncle, Alfred Burt. View the Burt Family Carol Series.
Subito award will fund travel to Amsterdam - posted: June 6, 2008
The American Composers Forum's subito grant has come through to allow me to travel to Amsterdam in November, where Valborg Chor will be performing a concert called "Betinis and Bruckner." (My work will be the first American music they have ever performed!) I've spent only 4 hours in Amsterdam, once, between flights, so I'm looking forward to seeing the city too.
Maria Jette performs part of "Nattsanger" at St. Paul Summer Song Festival - posted: May 2008
Join Maria Jette, clarinetist John Anderson, and pianist Sonja Thompson at The Schubert Club's finale concert for the Saint Paul Summer Song Festival on June 13, 2008 at 7:00 pm, SPCO Center, Hamm Building (408 St. Peter St, Saint Paul, MN).
Podcast interview on "Bar xizam" - posted: April 17, 2008
The Esoterics (see news post below) have just posted a podcast interview with me about my piece Bar xizam (Upward I rise). Listen to the podcast, or subscribe to their RSS feed on their EsoCast page: http://www.theesoterics.org/esocast.
April 12-20, 2008: Performances of Persian Pieces in Washington - posted: April 12, 2008
Two Seattle-based choruses have taken on my Persian language pieces this month. The Esoterics reprise their performances of Bar xizam (Upward I rise) on their 15th Anniversary concerts. And the women of the Seattle Choral Company perform From Behind the Caravan with vielle, oud, ney flute, and Persian hand drums. For more information, see the Calendar.
Nattsanger (Nightsongs) premiered - posted: April 10, 2008
Soprano Jennifer Swanson gave a magnificent premiere performance of my newest song cycle on April 9, 2008 at the University of Minnesota School of Music in Minneapolis. Commissioned by The Schubert Club, Nattsanger is scored for soprano, clarinet, and piano, and sets seven "night" poems of Rolf Jacobsen in his native Norwegian.
Carmina mei cordis at the Basilica! -- March 29, 2008 - posted: March 2008
The Singers--Minnesota Choral Artists will perform my two-movement piece, Carmina mei cordis (Songs of my heart), at their annual concert at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. The program (also featuring Distler's incredible Singet dem Herrn, and selections from Rachmaninoff's Vespers) promises to be a transcendent experience. Order your tickets here.
North Central ACDA Convention - posted: March 2, 2008
If you're heading to the ACDA convention in Fargo March 5-8, come visit me in the exhibition hall. I will be sharing a booth with my friend and colleague J. David Moore, and between the two of us we're bound to have sheet music to suit your chorus's needs. (Or just stop by to say hi.)
NOTICE: Contact form is fixed - February 15, 2008
So, it's been brought to my attention that my contact form wasn't working for about two weeks. If, by chance, you sent a message during that time, I didn't receive it. Sad. But now it's better than ever and awaiting your messages, or email addresses to add to my mailing list.
Collaboration with Spaghetti Western String Co.! - February, 2008
I'm singing in a new a cappella group, Deviated Septet, and we've been invited to open for the local eclectic string band Spaghetti Western! They're releasing a new CD on Saturday, February 9 at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. Show starts at 8:00 pm, we'll start singing at 9:00, then continue to "back up" the band throughout the show. See Calendar.
Preview Performance: Nattsanger (Nightsongs) - January 27, 2008
The Schubert Club has commissioned this 20-minute song cycle for soprano Jennifer Swanson, who will give a preview performance of the first three movements at noon on Thursday, January 31 at a Schubert Club Courtroom Concert. The piece is for soprano, clarinet, and piano, and is settings of Rolf Jacobsen's poetry -- all in his native Norwegian. Details here.
A family tradition of carol writing continues - December 24, 2007
This crazy family tradition of writing an annual Christmas Carol, now spanning three generations, is currently being featured on Minnesota Public Radio, including the premiere of my new carol for 2007, "Run, Toboggan, Run." Hear the archived interview on All Things Considered, or see a different feature on Classical Minnesota Public Radio.
Star Tribune: Young Artists On the Verge - November 11, 2007
Apparently I'm on the verge of something... Unfortunately, they didn't tell me what. I intend to figure it out, though, so it's back to the piano for me...
Jerome Composers Commissioning Program Grant - October 24, 2007
Conductor John Lace has commissioned me to write a band piece for his students at Anoka High School here in Minnesota. Today we learned that the Jerome Foundation will fund it! This is my first major grant, so it's all very exciting. (Will premiere in spring 2009)
Simone Dinnerstein, pianist - October 18, 2007
I met her today, here in Saint Paul, after she played some Goldberg Variations for a Schubert Club concert in the cortile of the Landmark Center. Lucky enough to be looking down from the first balcony, I was mesmerized by the intricate visual patterns her fingers made. Philip Lasser's words came back to me, "Play Bach every day... and cry."
NEW: Online Order Form! - posted: September 17, 2007
Yes, it IS an online order form for choral sheet music. Brand spankin' new. Test it out!
posted: July 2011
My first chorus and orchestra piece, "Expectans expectavi" got a brilliant write-up in the Boston Globe, and was later reviewed: "The highlight was a world premiere by Abbie Betinis...brooding, dissonant...bold...managed to feel both cathartic and unresolved." Thank you Chorus pro Musica and Betsy Burleigh for this extraordinary commission.
Abbie's first New York Times review!
posted: June 2011
The New York Times writes: "...But the freshest of these pieces was the program's finale, Abbie Betinis's inventive, richly melodic 'Long Time Trav'ling.'" Thank you New Amsterdam Singers and conductor Clara Longstreth!
"Run, Toboggan, Run" (SATB chorus) wins Editors' Choice Award 2011
posted: May 2011
Sheet music distributor J.W. Pepper calls the piece "an absolute gem... Composed by the grand-neice of the legendary Alfred Burt (The Alfred Burt Carols), this delightful piece will let your singers feel as though they're on a toboggan, following the contours of the melody over joyful chord progressions and smooth key changes. It's an invigorating ride for everyone! Highly recommended!" Study the score, listen to the recording, or order sheet music here: Run, Toboggan, Run.
NPR Music names Abbie in top 100 "Composers Under 40"
posted: Apr 2011
NPR Music and New York's WQXR received almost 800 suggestions for their listeners' favorite composers under the age of 40 before narrowing it down to 100 of the "most promising young composers in the world." I made the list (!), alongside my heroes Nico Muhly, John Mackey, Tarik O'Regan, Joby Talbot, and Esperanza Spalding.
Launching the Independent Music Publishers Cooperative at ACDA!
posted: Feb 2011
If you're going to be at the National ACDA convention in Chicago March 9-12, please visit the exhibit hall! I will be exhibiting as part of a booth with seven other composers you know and love: Elizabeth Alexander, Jocelyn Hagen, Linda Tutas Haugen, Edie Hill, J. David Moore, Joan Szymko and Tim Takach! We'll have 250 titles that you won't find anywhere else. Look for us near the escalators, 'cause we're goin' up! Haha. (Actually, we are near the escalators.)
2010 Yields Record Sheet Music Sales for abbiebetinis.com!
posted: Dec 2010
Thank you to so many of you who ordered sheet music through this website in 2010! Two pieces have sold nearly 2,000 copies ("Be Like the Bird" and "In the Bleak Midwinter") and the 5-mvt women's chorus piece "From Behind the Caravan" has sold an astonishing 1,246 copies! Thinking about ordering music for next year? Visit the new and improved order form here.
Annual Burt Family Carol postponed
posted: Nov 2010
Many of you know I write a new carol every Christmas to honor the tradition my great-grandfather began in 1922 (and his son Alfred Burt continued). Since my health continues to be my top priority, the 2010 carol will be presented on Minnesota Public Radio in early 2011. No worries though, it's still getting done! Just slowly. More info here.
G. Schirmer publishes "Dormi, Jesu" in the Dale Warland Series - posted: May 2010
G. Schirmer writes: "With homage to Bruckner and Messiaen, the gentle phrases and rich harmonies of this contemporary Latin setting will resonate throughout your performance space." Study the score, listen to the recording, or click to order here: Dormi Jesu.
Cancer returns, preparing for bone marrow transplant - posted: April 2010
I'm sorry to report I've been recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma for the third time. I'll be taking some time away from commissions and other collaborative projects to undergo a bone marrow tranplant in June, and will post updates on my Facebook Fanpage as I am able.
Three pieces being performed at North Central ACDA! - posted: Mar 2010
Hooray! Bar xizam (Upward, I rise) and Chant for Great Compassion will be performed by the St Olaf Choir and Manitou Singers, and Cedit, Hyems will 're-premiere' with Cantamus (Iowa State) in a new arrangement for SSAA, all at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
St. Olaf Choir champions "Bar xizam (Upward, I rise)" on East Coast tour - posted: Feb 2010
"A whirling, soaring vision of the soul after death," the gestural Bar xizam (Upward I rise), for mixed chorus and soloists on a medieval Persian text, was reviewed as "a high point" on The St. Olaf Choir's winter tour. (And they call Sufi mystics ecstatic!) Read the review from Mechanics Hall.
Listen to Abbie's new carol on Minnesota Public Radio - posted: Dec 2009
Each Christmas, Minnesota Public Radio invites me to premiere a new carol written in the tradition of my great-grandfather (Rev. Bates Burt, father of composer Alfred Burt). The 2009 carol is "Be Like the Bird," a canon for 5 voices.
"In the Bleak Midwinter" has ALMOST sold 1,000 copies! - posted: Nov 2009
Abbie's best-selling piece this year is her arrangement of Holst's "In the Bleak Midwinter," selling 953 copies since the BYU Singers performed it last Christmas. There's a special surprise for the choir member who receives the 1,000th score! Who will it be? Order here!
Cantus to tour the USA with "Yhinx: An Ancient Greek Love Charm" - posted: Sept 2009
Cantus, the award-winning men's vocal chamber ensemble, will include "Yhinx: An Ancient Greek Love Charm," a binding spell cast around a fire, on their 2009-2010 touring program celebrating the energy of the elements. (They're even going to Alaska!) Are they coming to a town near you? Check Cantus's 2009-2010 tour schedule.
Sorel Medallion finalist "Mary and Gabriel" to make Carnegie Hall debut - posted: June 2009
The racy (and somewhat irreverent) Mary and Gabriel for soloists, chorus and percussion has been named one of three finalists for the annual Sorel Medallion award in New York, and will be performed by the acclaimed chorus Voices of Ascension in Carnegie Hall this October.
ABBIE RECEIVES MCKNIGHT ARTIST FELLOWSHIP (and finally uncrosses her fingers) - May 2009
These prestigious fellowships, sponsored by the McKnight Foundation, are intended to reward artistic excellence and to support composers who have reached a critical point in their career development. The judging panel heard three recent works: Nattsanger (Nightsongs), From Behind the Caravan, and Mary and Gabriel.
Summer workshop with Zeitgeist - posted: May 2009
Zeitgeist has generously offered Abbie a place in their Composer Workshop, where, alongside colleagues J. Anthony Allen and Justin Merritt, she will be able to use this fantastic ensemble like the laboratory she's always wanted... while hopefully sketching out a new piece for bass clarinet, piano, and percussion.
"Nattsanger" receives Honorable Mention in ASCAP Morton Gould awards - posted: April 2009
Abbie's song cycle on the Norwegian poetry of Rolf Jacobsen has received honorable mention in ASCAP's esteemed Morton Gould Young Composer Awards. Listen to the cycle for high voice, clarinet, and piano here.
Feb 27-28, 2009: Harvard Festival of Women's Choruses - posted: Feb 2009
Harvard University has invited Abbie to join composers Hilary Tann, Carol Barnett and others at a composer/conductor roundtable, and to hear Cornell University Chorus and Cappella Clausura perform her music. See the calendar for details.
"From Behind the Caravan" on Winnipeg New Music Festival - posted: Feb 2009
I recently had the pleasure of hearing the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra's New Music Festival featuring the University of Manitoba Women's Choir on my five-mvt set "From Behind the Caravan: Songs of Hâfez" and an appearance by cellist Matt Haimovitz. CBC radio archived the show here.
ACF Encore grant supports "Clan of the Lichens" with Lindsay Kesselman - posted: Nov 2008
Thanks to an Encore grant from the American Composers Forum, Ohio-based soprano Lindsay Kesselman will be adding my song cycle "The Clan of the Lichens" to her 2009 tour repertoire, giving concerts at Kent State, Rice University, and The Schubert Club in St. Paul.
Schubert Club commissions two new chamber works - posted: Oct 2008
The Schubert Club (St. Paul, MN) has commissioned a violin/cello duet, and a new work for horn trio, both expected to premiere in the 2009-10 season.
Yale Glee Club to perform "Long Time Trav'ling" on 2009 Tour - posted: Sept 2008
The Yale Glee Club, under the direction of Jeffrey Douma, will be taking Long Time Trav'ling on tour to the Northwest U.S. in January, and to South America this summer. The program also includes a Ned Rorem premiere and the winning piece from Yale's emerging composers competition.
Maria Jette to perform "Nattsanger" at American Composers Forum Showcase - posted: Aug 2008
Soprano Maria Jette, clarinetist Paul Fonfara, and pianist Sonja Thompson will perform the third movement from my newest song cycle Nattsanger (Nightsongs), on September 19, 2008 at 5:30 pm, at MacPhail Center's beautiful new Antonello Hall (501 South Second Street) in Minneapolis.
Looking for new Christmas Carols? - posted: July 2008
If you are a conductor planning your upcoming season, please take a moment to check out my seven original Christmas carols, written in the tradition of my great-uncle, Alfred Burt. View the Burt Family Carol Series.
Subito award will fund travel to Amsterdam - posted: June 6, 2008
The American Composers Forum's subito grant has come through to allow me to travel to Amsterdam in November, where Valborg Chor will be performing a concert called "Betinis and Bruckner." (My work will be the first American music they have ever performed!) I've spent only 4 hours in Amsterdam, once, between flights, so I'm looking forward to seeing the city too.
Maria Jette performs part of "Nattsanger" at St. Paul Summer Song Festival - posted: May 2008
Join Maria Jette, clarinetist John Anderson, and pianist Sonja Thompson at The Schubert Club's finale concert for the Saint Paul Summer Song Festival on June 13, 2008 at 7:00 pm, SPCO Center, Hamm Building (408 St. Peter St, Saint Paul, MN).
Podcast interview on "Bar xizam" - posted: April 17, 2008
The Esoterics (see news post below) have just posted a podcast interview with me about my piece Bar xizam (Upward I rise). Listen to the podcast, or subscribe to their RSS feed on their EsoCast page: http://www.theesoterics.org/esocast.
April 12-20, 2008: Performances of Persian Pieces in Washington - posted: April 12, 2008
Two Seattle-based choruses have taken on my Persian language pieces this month. The Esoterics reprise their performances of Bar xizam (Upward I rise) on their 15th Anniversary concerts. And the women of the Seattle Choral Company perform From Behind the Caravan with vielle, oud, ney flute, and Persian hand drums. For more information, see the Calendar.
Nattsanger (Nightsongs) premiered - posted: April 10, 2008
Soprano Jennifer Swanson gave a magnificent premiere performance of my newest song cycle on April 9, 2008 at the University of Minnesota School of Music in Minneapolis. Commissioned by The Schubert Club, Nattsanger is scored for soprano, clarinet, and piano, and sets seven "night" poems of Rolf Jacobsen in his native Norwegian.
Carmina mei cordis at the Basilica! -- March 29, 2008 - posted: March 2008
The Singers--Minnesota Choral Artists will perform my two-movement piece, Carmina mei cordis (Songs of my heart), at their annual concert at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. The program (also featuring Distler's incredible Singet dem Herrn, and selections from Rachmaninoff's Vespers) promises to be a transcendent experience. Order your tickets here.
North Central ACDA Convention - posted: March 2, 2008
If you're heading to the ACDA convention in Fargo March 5-8, come visit me in the exhibition hall. I will be sharing a booth with my friend and colleague J. David Moore, and between the two of us we're bound to have sheet music to suit your chorus's needs. (Or just stop by to say hi.)
NOTICE: Contact form is fixed - February 15, 2008
So, it's been brought to my attention that my contact form wasn't working for about two weeks. If, by chance, you sent a message during that time, I didn't receive it. Sad. But now it's better than ever and awaiting your messages, or email addresses to add to my mailing list.
Collaboration with Spaghetti Western String Co.! - February, 2008
I'm singing in a new a cappella group, Deviated Septet, and we've been invited to open for the local eclectic string band Spaghetti Western! They're releasing a new CD on Saturday, February 9 at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis. Show starts at 8:00 pm, we'll start singing at 9:00, then continue to "back up" the band throughout the show. See Calendar.
Preview Performance: Nattsanger (Nightsongs) - January 27, 2008
The Schubert Club has commissioned this 20-minute song cycle for soprano Jennifer Swanson, who will give a preview performance of the first three movements at noon on Thursday, January 31 at a Schubert Club Courtroom Concert. The piece is for soprano, clarinet, and piano, and is settings of Rolf Jacobsen's poetry -- all in his native Norwegian. Details here.
A family tradition of carol writing continues - December 24, 2007
This crazy family tradition of writing an annual Christmas Carol, now spanning three generations, is currently being featured on Minnesota Public Radio, including the premiere of my new carol for 2007, "Run, Toboggan, Run." Hear the archived interview on All Things Considered, or see a different feature on Classical Minnesota Public Radio.
Star Tribune: Young Artists On the Verge - November 11, 2007
Apparently I'm on the verge of something... Unfortunately, they didn't tell me what. I intend to figure it out, though, so it's back to the piano for me...
Jerome Composers Commissioning Program Grant - October 24, 2007
Conductor John Lace has commissioned me to write a band piece for his students at Anoka High School here in Minnesota. Today we learned that the Jerome Foundation will fund it! This is my first major grant, so it's all very exciting. (Will premiere in spring 2009)
Simone Dinnerstein, pianist - October 18, 2007
I met her today, here in Saint Paul, after she played some Goldberg Variations for a Schubert Club concert in the cortile of the Landmark Center. Lucky enough to be looking down from the first balcony, I was mesmerized by the intricate visual patterns her fingers made. Philip Lasser's words came back to me, "Play Bach every day... and cry."
NEW: Online Order Form! - posted: September 17, 2007
Yes, it IS an online order form for choral sheet music. Brand spankin' new. Test it out!