PROGRAM NOTE

To the Ancient Egyptians the human soul is comprised of five entities, the Ren (name), Ba (soul), Sheut (Shadow), Ib (Heart) and Ka (Spirit). This ancient belief is the basis of the Concerto for Orchestra. The work is divided into three movements as a representation or musical abstraction of the life of ones soul or musical journey.

Through each movement, the ideas of Name (melody), Soul (harmony), Shadow (form) and Heart (rhythm) are developed until the moment of Ka (catharsis) is reached when all five elements converge bringing about rebirth. Like the human soul, I have tried to translate the five parts of the human soul into the basic elements that create a piece of music. From birth, these musical elements are introduced, developed, reintroduced and by the end or death, only the essence remains, the soul. 

Awarded the 2013 American Prize for Orchestral Composition

Awarded First Prize (Ka); 4x4 Composition Competition, University of Oklahoma

Selected for the 2012 American Composers Orchestra Underwood New Music Readings