FOURTH COMMISSION

For the Sleepwalkers

Our fourth commission, by Jungyoon Wie, is For the Sleepwalkers after the poem by Edward Hirsch, who was present for the premiere. It is scored for violin, cello, piano and narrator. The world premiere was Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Westminster Hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, MN.

Two presentations of the work bookend a conversation with the composer, poet, and musicians.

Jungyoon Wie received the 2022 Schirmer Prize for her exceptional work with the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music in fostering young composers' growth and advancement in the field. Born in Seoul, South Korea, and currently based in San Francisco, Wie describes the piece: "For the Sleepwalkers is about experiencing a miracle. With your eyes closed, you’re able to step out of the bed, walk out to the world, and come home safely. With my music, I hope to bring this experience to life, which is for anybody who can connect with their unconscious. It is fluid, open, and bold, which reminds me of Jorja Fleezanis."

"For the Sleepwalkers" is taken from the first collection of poems by American poet, critic, and staunch advocate for poetry, Edward Hirsch. He writes of his collaboration in the commission: "Michael Steinberg and Jorja Fleezanis believed in artistic curiosity, collaboration, and excellence. I am thrilled that the gifted young composer Jungyoon Wie is setting my poetic testament to the unconscious in their honor. The premier will be a true celebration."

World premiere artists: Susie Park, violin; Anthony Ross, cello; Jungyoon Wie, piano; and Stephen Yoakam, narrator. 

THIRD COMMISSION

Where You Love From

Our third commission, by Jessica Meyer, is Where You Love From, a setting of the 13th-century great Islamic poet Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, the renowned translator of Rumi, who describes his translations as “kin to the great American tradition of free verse". It is scored for violin, viola, cello, percussion and narrator. The world premiere was on May 14, 2022, in Westminster Hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, MN.

The composer writes: "I fell in love with the power of words all over again when I read Rumi.  The rich imagery makes my job a joy for sounds almost jump off the page into my mind to play around with.

"This particular text already has sections that can serve as 'movements' or episodes, and though they seem rather disjointed at first, I can imagine how they could be woven together to form an intriguing narrative about the nature of love, and how allowing yourself to love is a means to freedom.  As someone who sees the ocean as an inspiring life force, the last passage particularly strikes me as a meaningful metaphor for life and a fitting climax to a piece.  I am also especially looking forward to combining what I know about writing for strings with percussion, and spoken rather than sung text.  Apart from needing to express the emotional content of the text, I am fascinated with color and texture.  

"This unusual instrumentation will offer both unique challenges and opportunities that I really look forward to working with as I compose this piece."

Although Mr. Barks was unable to attend the performance, a video introducing how he found his way to Rumi, together with an interview by Bill Moyers, was shown as part of the concert.

World premiere artists: Jorja Fleezanis, violin; Jessica Meyer, viola; Anthony Ross, cello; Brian Mount, percussion; and Stephen Yoakam, narrator.

SECOND COMMISSION

Slow Song for Mark Rothko

The second commission, composed by Emily Cooley, is Slow Song for Mark Rothko, after a poem by the same name by American poet John Taggart, who was present for the premiere. It is scored for flute, alto flute, cello, percussion and narrator. The world premiere was November 11, 2018, in Bloomington, IN at the Jacobs School of Music. The Minnesota premiere was given on June 2, 2019, in Westminster Hall at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, MN.

World premiere artists: Gregory Milliren, flute; Anthony Ross, cello; Brian Mount, percussion; and Stephen Yoakam, narrator.

FIRST COMMISSION

Ithaka

Our first commission, Ithaka, was composed by Justin Merritt, set to the poem of that title by the Greek poet C.P Cavafy. It is scored for violin, clarinet, cello, piano and narrator. The world premiere was given in Minneapolis on May 8, 2016, in Antonello Hall at MacPhail Center for Music and the California premiere in July of 2016 at the Music Academy of the West Festival in Santa Barbara. An additional performance was given at St. Olaf College (where Justin Merritt is on the faculty) in Northfield, MN, on March 10, 2019.

The composer writes of his chamber ensemble work: "Cavafy reminds us that most of life's greatest problems are self-created, and most of life's battles are internal. [...] In the final analysis, this poem is about life, rather than death. It urges us to seize every opportunity life offers, approach struggles with courage rather than fear, and relish each new experience with an open heart. I set the final stanza as a song of remembrance for a life fully lived, perhaps not without regrets – but in the assurance that whenever we reach our final destination, we will have lived each moment to the utmost."

World premiere artists: Jorja Fleezanis, violin; David Pharris, clarinet; Anthony Ross, cello; Karl Paulnack, piano; and Stephen Yoakam, narrator.