Friday, July 19, 2013
“For the opening concert on Saturday, June 15, 2013, Hall was featured in the world premiere of Mara Gibson’s “Moments” for Clarinet, Viola and Piano. Thomas Aber, Clarinet and Robert Pherigo, piano completed the trio.”
“Hall’s tone was silky and shimmering, always precise and taut.”
The new music magazine, I Care If You Listen has just published a review of the opening concert of the UMKC Summer Composition Workshop. I was honored to be Guest Artist with the newEar Contemporary Ensemble in an evening featuring an energetic program. Together with Robert Pherigo, piano and Thomas Aber, clarinet we presented the world premiere of composer Mara Gibson’s new trio, “Moments” to an enthusiastic and energetic audience.
The epic trio, lasting nineteen minutes, utilizes the following quote by Confucius as a binding feature to connect the five “Methods” and three solo improvisation movements.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
One of the greatest gifts of performing new music is having the privilege to work side-by-side with composers. When creative minds get together it fosters intense professional growth, long-lasting friendships, shared journeys and collective ownership of a project. Over the past two years composer Mara Gibson has written two pieces for me: Canopy (2011) for viola and fixed media, and Moments (2013). As of this entry, I have performed Canopy seventeen times at locations around the world. It is my plan to feature Moments just as frequently.
I am deeply indebted to Mara for her willingness to trust me with her works, to tolerate my constant curiosity and prove again and again that there are always new horizons to reach towards.
My week-long residency as Featured Guest Performer at the UMKC Composition Workshop culminated in a solo recital at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. For a review discussing the Closing Concert and the new solo viola repertoire I presented on this program follow this link.
Review for Moments/Opening Concert
Review for Solo Recital/Closing Concert