Page 37 - Phil opening night program digital final

The timbre of each instrument in the orchestra has its own unique, distinctive quality and tone
color. We can easily associate the sound of certain instruments with people and animals—think
of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. For example, in my piece, the tuba solo represents the dance of a
circus bear, one of the old Slavic festival traditions in which people would train a big brown bear to
move rhythmically to music.

A Festival Fanfare takes us into the world of a Slavic Yármarka, or annual
market fair. What do you hope audiences will imagine as they listen?
The music has a very festive and energetic sound. In the introduction, the trumpets announce that
the celebration is about to start. Imagine a large, colorful country fair filled with handmade crafts,
music, homemade food, beautiful costumes, games, and acrobats.
An energetic, playful theme after a short introduction depicts the performance of the
“skomorokhs”—East Slavic traveling actors, musicians, and jesters, almost like harlequins. Dressed
in masks and costumes, they entertain the crowds by engaging with the spectators and drawing
them into their play. Then there is the dancing bear, followed by more excitement and celebration
that builds toward the last section of the Fanfare: a hymn that magnifies the beautiful countryside,
with its colorful landscapes and deep, expansive lakes. I wanted to create the feeling of a big festival,
with many different elements and characters coming to life.

You’ll be in Plymouth to hear the Phil give the world premiere. What
does it mean to you to hear this new work come to life with Steven and
the orchestra?

Composers are usually very nervous before a performance. But I’m never nervous when Steven
conducts my music. He has performed my work before, and it was magnificent. I trust him 100
percent.

I’m very excited to be there and to hear the live performance of my piece. I know it will be
great!
There is something completely unique about hearing music live. Listening to a recording and
experiencing music in the same space with other people—with the vibrations all around you—is
completely different.
Live music makes a big impact on people’s mental health and social connections. It is very therapeutic
and makes you happy. I think there is something very special about being in the concert hall
together with the audience when a piece of music is introduced to the world for the very first time.

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Season 2026/27 Music is the Answer! ~ 35