News

Three World Premieres So Far in 2019 for 26 Year Old Peng-Peng Gong

May 13, 2019 -

The Philadelphia Orchestra, with members of the Shanghai Philharmonic, gave the January world premiere of Peng-Peng Gong’s Symphony No. 10, Peking Fantasy. The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote of the work: ”...direct musical language...gorgeous...highly original sounds...vivid episodes.” Six World Folk Songs and his Symphony No. 8 were premiered by the Shanghai Philharmonic on April 27th. See full videos and the composer's playlist.

Laura Schwendinger's Opera ARTEMISIA Premieres and NY Times Review

May 13, 2019 -

Time’s Arrow Festival of New York presented a partly-staged premiere of Laura Schwendinger’s new opera, Artemisia. The New York Times review stated: "Artemisia…fits in big themes set to music of quivering intensity…idea and form, image and projection, sight and gaze also find nuanced and intelligent treatment." The Left Coast Chamber Ensemble of San Francisco premieres the complete, fully-staged opera on June 1st and 2nd of this year. Video and more about the opera are featured in this story.

‘Sounds of Persia’ Series Brings 2 Reza Vali Pieces to Center Stage

May 13, 2019 -

Reza Vali’s works Ashoob: Calligraphy No. 14 for santoor (Persian hammer dulcimer) and string quartet, as well as Ormavi: String Quartet No. 4 were performed by the Persian santoor master Dr. Dariush Saghafi, and the Cuatro Puntos Ensemble during the concert events “Sounds of Persia” on April 10-15, 2019 in Hartford, Glastonbury, Enfield, and Willimantic, CT. These performances are an example of a very active concert season for the composer.

At the Leading 'Edge' - Donald Crockett New Works and Performances

March 6, 2018 -

Los Angeles-based composer and conductor Donald Crockett has long been at the forefront of American chamber music. It is apparent that Crockett remains a leading force in new music as both champion and creator, as we explore his new works and performances in this issue.

PSO Premiere Caps an Outstanding Year for Reza Vali

March 4, 2018 -

The 2017-18 season has been a phenomenal one for Iranian-born composer Reza Vali. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra commissioned a new work, ISFAHAN, to be premiered June 2018. Meanwhile, the composer has enjoyed a major label recording release, a feature-length public radio broadcast dedicated to his music and several noteworthy performances of chamber and orchestral music. The Deutsche Grammophon label has released a world premiere recording by cellist Kian Soltani of Vali's PERSIAN FOLK SONGS, SET NO. 16C for cello and piano.