My companion compositions for Holst’s Planets, Earth, The Sustainer of Life, and Pluto, Guardian of the Underworld, are now in rehearsal. The Charlotte Civic Orchestra, under the exceptional guidance of conductor Dr. Geoffrey Whitehead will premiere the pieces on June 7, 2015. See earlier posts for details. I attended the latests rehearsal and things are coming along nicely. I continue to be thankful for the opportunity to write for this spirited and dedicated group of musicians. Earth and Pluto will be the 4th and 5th pieces that I have written for them and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Whitehead and the CCO.
For the performance, my pieces will be integrated with the Holst original seven movements. Dr. Whitehead plans to perform the suite in order from the sun. Neptune, which ends with off-stage women’s chorus, will elide with the beginning of Pluto. The concert will also feature projections of the various planets during the performance as well as brief brief comments on each planet by a local planetarium representative.
If you are one of my friends in the Charlotte, NC region, please consider attending the concert and supporting the CCO. They are providing a valuable service to both local musicians and the greater Charlotte concert-going audience. Check out their web site and consider a donation… http://www.charlottecivicorchestra.org/cco/support/