I still feel like I'm catching my breath after a rewarding trip to Seattle to observe the world premiere of my new suite for mandolin orchestra: The Trees Show Their Rings, The Animals Their Veins by the Seattle Mandolin Orchestra.   The piece features five contrasting movements, each inspired by a canvas of the German Expressionist Franz Marc.  

I'm grateful beyond words to the SMO for the all the hard work and patience they put into preparing the piece for the premiere performance, including some workshopping and updated scores and parts along the way.

The SMO, under the direction of Jeff Brumley, performed the piece twice in one weekend in a two-concert series Present Tense showcasing the works of (mostly living) contemporary composers.  Of special note the concert also featured the premiere of An American In Lahore by Jeff Brumley.  It's a wonderful piece that I'm sure other mandolin orchestras will be looking to perform soon!   

Bravo to the SMO for two inspiring performances that manifested their heartfelt skill and expression and transported appreciative audiences to visit these new musical worlds.

I would be remiss if I didn't also express my sincere gratitude to Jonathan Bredin and Lon Hendricks of the Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra, who have helped tremendously in championing the completion of my piece.  Lon provided detailed critical reviews of early drafts, which were invaluable in elevating the quality of the work. One of the canvases, The Large Blue Horses, resides at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis and it's part of my dream for the life of this piece that the music can be played in view of one or more of the actual canvases.

What an auspicious beginning for this piece!  Thanks to all my collaborators, you make me proud!