Sofia Dimitrova sings, with violist Edmundo Ramirez

“The Rose Cycle” is a new composition for soprano and string quartet, and it premiered April 22, 2014. The concert was presented by the New York Composers Circle at Saint Peter’s Church at the Citigroup Center. Pictured here is the singer, Sofia Dimitrova, and the violist Edmundo Ramirez. The entire ensemble is the Bleecker StQ.

The cycle is in four movements with poems by four authors:
1) Nobody knows this little rose by Emily Dickinson
2) Amid the Roses by Alice Ruth Moore (excerpted)
3) The Sick Rose by William Blake
4) ‘Tis the Last Rose of Summer by Thomas Moore

Funny but true story: As I searched around for poems that feature roses in some prominent way, I found ‘Tis the Last Rose of Summer, but I had no idea it was a famous song already. In fact, when I first read the poem I was amazed that it hasn’t been set to music many times by many composers. While I was composing this movement, I mentioned it to a colleague of mine who pointed out it is a famous piece of music, a prominent Irish song. In a somewhat panicked state, I searched the internet for a copy of the music to be sure I hadn’t subconsciously lifted a famous melody. No, I quickly discovered; my own take was an original one. But as I sight read the music off the computer monitor, I thought, “So that’s what they’re always playing on the bagpipes in New York City parades!”

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Soprano Sofia Dimitrova sang the two songs, backed by the Glass Farm Ensemble. Glass Farm is Yvonne Troxler, piano, Gregor Kitzis, violin, and Matthew Goeke, cello. The performances were excellent and I hope to have video or audio posted here soon.

Meanwhile, you can learn more about Sofia Dimitrova at her website:
sofiadimitrova.com

And more about the Glass Farm Ensemble is here:
glassfarm.org

Richard Russell introduces his pieces

Sofia Dimitrova

Sofia Dimitrova with Glass Farm Ensemble

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Click the program for a close-up view.

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Richard D. Russell

In introducing my Adagio for String Quartet at the recent Dec. 20 NYCC performance, held at the Saint Peter’s Church at Citigroup Center, I explained that this is a movement from a larger string quartet which is yet to be completed.

I’ve written three movements, but the quartet seems somehow incomplete still, needing a final movement to wrap up the whole artistic statement. That said, I’m very fond of this Adagio and am anxious to bring it to a larger audience.

There was a very large crowd on hand as this concert sadly marked the recent passing of one of the New York Composers Circle’s most prominent and enthusiastic members, Dr. Dinu Ghezzo. He will be missed.

On a happier note, this concert marked the start of the NYCC’s 10th year.

I received some of the nicest, most enthusiastic comments yet for a performance of a piece of mine. I heartily thank the evening’s performers, Stanichka Dimitrova and Arthur Moeller on violin, Kim Mai Nguyen on viola, and Hamilton Berry on cello.

Stanichka Dimitrova & Arthur Moeller

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And so I am delighted that the New York Composers Circle will be presenting this work on December 20 at 8pm. The venue is the Saint Peter’s Church at Citigroup Center, 54th Street and Lexington Avenue. One of the NYCC’s honorary members, Dinu Ghezzo, will be celebrated as his 70th birthday arrives, and there will also be a composition by no less than Elliott Carter on the bill. Other composers on the concert include Jacob E. Goodman, Martin Halpern, Eugene McBride, and Gayther Myers.

And a reception will follow. The suggested donation is $20 and as always the concert promises to be a great one. More information can be found by clicking the flier or by clicking here.

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Sofia Dimitrova

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What I’m so excited about is the quality of the performers and composers on the concert. Sofia will be joined by her sister, violinist Stani Dimitrova, and pianist Cathy Miller in performing my piece, Two Rilke Songs. Other composers include David Tcimpidis, Raphael Fusco, and Kevin McCarter.

I’d also like to single out two composers rounding out the bill: Marilyn Bliss, who is a past president of New York Women Composers and a Charles Ives Prize winner. Sofia will also sing a song cycle by 2004 Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Moravec. It’s pretty cool to be on the same concert with such a distinguished group of musicians! (As of this writing, all the composers plan to be present at the concert.)

I hope to see you at what will prove to be a terrific show. And best of all: There’s no admission charge!

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