KEVIN KAY: Coalescing (2023)
"Coalescing" is about the merging, compounding, and coalescing of vibration as expressed through a cello. The seed for this is the delicate double harmonic—touching a single string of the cello in two places—causing harmonics to compound. From within this technique, the piece unfolds.
SPENCER WINELL: Cardinals and Hydrangeas (2023)
This piece was commissioned by Olivia Katz to honor the passing of her grandmother, Patti Jo Deegan (1939-2022). Patti was always a lover of nature; and, as a florist, she always had several flowering plants growing at a time.
The cardinals are significant for several reasons. Firstly, they have long represented visits from loved ones who’ve passed on. Secondly, my grandmother loved birdwatching—and cardinals making appearances near her home in southern New Jersey was always worth commemorating.
OLIVIA KATZ: The Melon (2023)
While I was watching Planet Earth with some dear friends, I was fascinated and inspired by the sound of dolphin echolocation. While I was researching echolocation, I read that the organ that is used for this type of communication is called “the melon.”
This piece involves lots of choice, freedom, and communication. I wrote this piece with two of my closest friends at Boston Conservatory, Nick and Elsie, in mind. I thank them for spreading their wealth of knowledge and creativity with me, and for their friendship and love. It is an honor and pleasure to play this piece with them. Therefore, "The Melon" is about communication and friendship.
