Becoming a Redwood, my cycle, to poems of Dana Gioia, was composed in 2003 as a 50th birthday gift for my husband Bruce Rosenblum. The cycle premiered at The Phillips Collection in Washington DC on May 5, 2004, with soprano Barbara Quintiliani and myself at the piano.
While I had created a version for soprano and chamber orchestra in 2005, this orchestral version lay dormant. Last summer, I re-orchestrated the work for a slightly smaller chamber orchestra comprised of Flutes 1/2; Oboes 1/2; Clarinets 1/2; Bassoon 1/2; Horn; Trumpet; Violin 1; Violin 2; Viola; Cello; Bass. [The size of the string section is flexible, although I believe the minimum should be 4/4/3/2/1.] The work can also be performed with a tenor soloist.
I am delighted that a fall premiere has now been scheduled by The Sonoma County Philharmonic, conducted by Norman Gamboa, with soprano Morgan Harrington as the soloist. Although, as with everything these days, plans remain fluid due to Covid-19 restrictions. I will keep this post updated as plans solidify.
in the meantime, I hope everyone stays safe!
