Congratulations to Amy Beth Kirsten!

This month Amy Beth Kirsten was named a 2011 Guggenheim Fellow and recipient of a Levy Supplemental Stipend for music composition. You can read the press release here. Way to go Amy!

Amy is one of four composers writing music for our Emerging Voices Project. We are looking forward to working with her in the Fall.

Coaching with Lori Laitman

Yesterday Elisabeth and I drove down to Potomac, MD to work with Lori Laitman on her piece I Never Saw Another Butterfly. Lori had great advice for us on the character of each movement and helped us with interpretive choices that we've debate over the last couple years. We're feeling ready to go and will start recording her piece next week!

I also wanted to share Lori's awesome dog Kirby, who is a natural singer:

Recording Test!

Elisabeth Halliday and I tested out a recording space earlier this week! We are getting ready to start recording the album for our Emerging Voices Project. Up next on our schedule is to rehearse with Lori Laitman and record her piece I Never Saw Another Butterfly for soprano and alto sax in April. Then in May we will rehearse and record Adam Knauss’ new piece Portraits for soprano and bari sax.

Kickstarter Successfully Funded

Our Kickstarter fundraiser has finished at $4,220! A great big "Thank You!" goes out to our 57 backers who pledged 140% of our goal. Because of them we were able to commission a fourth composer and will expand our CD release tour.

Here's what comes next:
-we will create 10 one-of-a-kind recordings for backers (songs of their choice)
-the commissioned composers will write music
-1 backer gets a voice lesson with Elisabeth
-this summer we will record the album (and mail it to backers)
-6 backers will receive a limited run behind-the-scenes DVD
-then we'll tour and celebrate with you!

We will post updates at each step so check back regularly!

New York Concert a Success!

We had a great time on Sunday - Neke Carson at the Gershwin Hotel was so welcoming. The Lobby really is one of my favorite New York venues.

This was our last performance before we start learning and recording our commissioned peices. Here we go!!

Sunday Concert in New York City

This Sunday is the second performance of our kick-off promotional tour, this time in New York City!

Sunday January 30th, 3pm
Gershwin Hotel
7 East 27th St.
New York, NY 10016
$10 at the door

Zach and I performed at the Gershwin Hotel a little over a year ago, with Rhymes With Opera, and we had a great time - the space is eclectic and intimate, and we're thrilled to be performing there again.

Welcome to Amy Beth Kirsten

We have met our second goal of $3,500! Elisabeth and I are excited to add Amy Beth Kirsten to our list of commissioned composers. Info about her will be posted in the composers section soon.

There is still a few days left to reach our final goal of $4,000. This would allow us to expand our CD release tour and reach a city close to you! Head over to our Kickstarter page to pledge your support.