White Stone (2017)

for orchestra
Commissioned by the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, Anne-Marie McDermott, Artistic Director, for Alan Gilbert and the NY Philharmonic
2(II=afl, picc).2(II=corA).2(II=bcl).1.cbsn-
4.1.2.btrbn.1-timp.perc(3)-harp-pno-strings
8 minutes

WORLD PREMIERE
The New York Philharmonic
Alan Gilbert, conductor
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater
July 26, 2017

A white stone is an object that is both unique yet familiar, a jewel and a pebble, emerging from the dirt to become something treasured. The music rises from dark, murky textures, striving towards brightness and clarity. The cello and timpani are the first to surface from the discord, stirring action in other sections of the orchestra. The percussion serves to rally and activate the music, leading the orchestra upwards towards brighter harmonies and unified rhythms. White Stone captures the struggle to be resilient and powerful in the face of overwhelming obstacles and fear of defeat.