March daily: catching up
the best laid plans and all
I’ve got FOUR shoutouts in one day to make up for failing to post since Thursday. Mea culpa: there were so many things and they all were happening. Let’s get back on track…
THURSDAY I should have posted about the composer Reena Esmail.
Reena is an Indian-American musician who is doing mighty, engaging, beautiful work that intertwines traditions from both East and West, serving to bring communities of musicians together. In particular, she writes music that helps those trained in Western traditions to try out Hindustani music. She writes orchestral, chamber, and choral music, often producing multiple versions of a piece in order to give as many different cohorts as possible a chance to play.
FRIDAY I should have posted about Turn the Spotlight.
I’m so proud to be part of this organization, founded by Beth Stewart in 2018. Team Spotlight exists to effect systemic change through one-on-one mentorship, done by and for exceptional women and members of other equity-seeking groups. We’re particularly interested in artists who are involved with community and social justice.
Check out the 2018/19, 2020/21, and 2023 cohorts and learn more about the exceptional artists and work supported by this extraordinary group!
I would like to particularly throw some praise on two folks that I was lucky to mentor and learn from. Sharon Su reimagined a piano sonata by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel and, with composer Patricia Wallinga, turned it into a concerto. Aiden Feldkamp curated and published a volume of excellent music for trans and nonbinary voices.
SATURDAY I should have posted about Considering Matthew Shepard.
In 2016, Conspirare premiered Craig Hella Johnson’s oratorio written in memory of and tribute to Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was brutally murdered. Hundreds of choirs across the world have since performed this music, which spreads a message of compassion and understanding.
TODAY I’m posting about the incredible Karen Slack.
She’s a Grammy winning soprano, commissioner of new work, artistic advisor and administrator, singer of myriad world premieres - Karen is in the middle of everything. She’s built her community through her years as a major opera performer, but also through advocacy and online engagement. Her recent work includes important collaborations with pianists Kevin Miller, Michelle McCann (fellow Grammy winner), and Mark Markham. At every turn, Karen uses her voice and her power to lift up Black women and men, and to reach across a wide audience to tell stories, including the hardest ones.
I’ll leave you with this remarkable performance From a program developed by Karen for Lyricfest. Jasmine Barnes is the composer, Laura Ward the pianist.
thanks for reading.