Bloom

Stephen Bryant (b. 1972)

“Bloom is a celebration of springtime. The bright, sunny days, with nature in bloom all around, give me a powerful sense of well-being, simultaneously tranquil and exuberant. Bloom is my attempt to recreate that feeling.”

Steven Bryant (b. 1972, Little Rock, AR) is an active composer and conductor with a varied catalog, including works for wind ensemble, orchestra, electronic and electro-acoustic creations, chamber music, and music for the web. Steven’s music has been performed by numerous ensembles across the United States, as well as in England, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Germany. His first orchestral work, Loose Id for Orchestra, hailed by celebrated composer Samuel Adler as “orchestrated like a virtuoso,” was premiered by The Juilliard Symphony and will be featured on an upcoming release by the Bowling Green Philharmonia on Albany Records. His most recent orchestral work, Alchemy in Silent Spaces, commissioned by James DePreist and The Juilliard School, was premiered by the Juilliard Orchestra in Alice Tully Hall in May 2006. He studied composition with John Corigliano at The Juilliard School, Cindy McTee at the University of North Texas, and Francis McBeth at Ouachita University.

Indian Suite No. 2

Edward MacDowell (1860-1953)

Edward MacDowell was one of the first American composers to gain major recognition for his orchestral and piano music. Born in New York City, he studied music in both the United States and Europe, and his works often reflect the rich, emotional style of the Romantic era. At the same time, he was interested in creating music that felt distinctly American. “Indian” Suite No. 2 is one example of that goal, as MacDowell drew inspiration from Native American melodies and musical ideas that had been published during his lifetime.

The movement being performed today, Dirge, is the fourth movement of the suite. It is one of the most serious and reflective sections of the work, with a dark, powerful character that stands apart from some of the suite’s more energetic moments. The music unfolds with a sense of weight and dignity, creating an atmosphere of mourning and remembrance. Though brief, Dirge leaves a strong impression through its emotional depth and solemn beauty, and it remains one of the most memorable movements from the suite.

Symphony No. 1 in E Minor

Florence Price (1887-1953)

Florence Price was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her mother was the primary guide of her musical beginnings, teaching her piano and other musical aspects throughout her childhood. She began playing the piano very quickly and played her first piano concert at the age of 4. In her young adult years, she attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Her first symphony was monumental for a couple of reasons, the most prominent being that it was the first symphony composed by an African-American woman to be performed by a major orchestra. The 4-movement work is well-known for serving as a wonderful bridge between the classical world and Price’s childhood experiences. The piece is rich in culture and sound, creating a monumental musical experience that showcases the virtuosity and expressive capacity of the orchestra.