Join me for a free concert featuring fresh pieces and collaboration with some of my favorite musical friends and colleagues. This multi-instrument grab bag of recent work features a wide range of sounds, colors, moods and textures, so hopefully there will be a little something for everyone!

Juan Carlos Entrambasaguas' saxophone shines in 'Melody', a lyrical, jazz-tinged tune, with the composer on the keys. Then he and Shota Otaguro premiere a specially composed suite of characterful movements for saxophone and marimba that shifts moods from dreamy to spiky, sultry to lighthearted, schmaltzy to acrobatic.

Shota returns with even more percussion to accompany Aaron Rosengaus' rich viola sound in a full-scale sonata for Viola and Percussion, written especially for Aaron. Over four linked movements, themes and motives develop and transform continuously in a wide-ranging journey from melancholy to impassioned drama, from ethereal lyricism to propulsive dance rhythms. It should be a wild ride!

And, because choral music is always near and dear to me, luxuriate in warm, shimmering chords and soaring exultation in Ubi Caritas for chorus, sung by a scrappy pickup group of fellow singers from some of the city's best vocal ensembles.

Violist Aaron Rosengaus and percussionist Shota Otaguro give the world premiere of a new work for Viola and Percussion, commissioned specially by Aaron Rosengaus. This dynamic recital presents a journey through contrasting sound worlds, beginning with Bach’s timeless C Major Suite, a cornerstone of solo viola repertoire. Vieuxtemps’ virtuosic Caprice follows, showcasing the instrument’s agility and lyricism. The second half introduces contemporary voices: Kimber’s evocative Emerald Isles, my new piece for viola and marimba, and Colgrass’ Variations for viola and drums. The program presents the viola as a compelling, versatile solo instrument in the landscape of modern American works.

Explore the incredible and surprising range of emotions and styles of the saxophone duo and piano!... The second half features a lyrical and expressive new work by CMC faculty composer Joshua Saulle, 'Melody', arranged for saxophone (originally bassoon) and piano.

Juan Carlos Entrambasaguas, soprano and alto saxophone Ricardo Martinez, alto and tenor saxophone Natsuki Fukasawa, piano

Presentation on how recent choral and vocal composers are using vocal techniques and singing traditions from across the globe to create exciting new works. The last part of the talk looks in particular at Caroline Shaw's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Partita for 8 Voices"