Inspiration! - Festive Overture

Instrumentation:

2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, 2 Percussion, Strings

Percussion 1: Crash/Suspended Cymbal, Triangle
Percussion 2: Bass Drum

Program Notes

This is a piece that is dedicated to the power of inspiration, and the will to inspire. The composition begins with a flourish—much like the spark of an idea—and erupts into joyous interplay from all sections of the orchestra. The middle section is more of a reflection of the first section, soulful and profound in nature and the rest of the piece is in high spirits, inspired by that which came before it.

This composition was commissioned by the University of Texas at Arlington Symphony Orchestra and their music director, Dr. Clifton Evans; it is also graciously dedicated to them.

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Subsequent performances:

• Hartford Symphony Orchestra; Quinn Mason conducting - March 22, 2023
• Hartford Symphony Orchestra; Carolyn Kuan conducting - May 6/June 17/June 30, 2023
• Oregon East Symphony; Dr. Beau Benson conducting - June 10, 2023 (Pacific Northwest premiere)
• Springfield Symphony Orchestra; Kevin Scott conducting - June 19, 2023
• Plano Symphony Orchestra; Shira Samuels-Shragg conducting - July 4, 2023
• American Festival of the Arts Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Clif Evans conducting - July 8, 2023
• Annapolis Symphony Orchestra; José-Luis Novo conducting - September 2/3, 2023
• University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra; Creston Herron conducting - September 19/26, 2023
• Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra; Quinn Mason conducting - November 5, 2023
• Wichita Symphony Youth Orchestra; Dr. Mark Laycock conducting - November 11, 2023
• Charlotte Symphony Orchestra; Christopher James Lees conducting - November 14, 2023
• Charlotte Symphony Orchestra; Christopher James Lees conducting - January 14, 2024
• Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra; Dr. Antoine Clark conducting - January 28, 2024
• Florence Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Terry Roberts conducting - February 12, 2024
• Toledo Symphony Orchestra; Alain Trudel conducting - February 25, 2024
• Plano East Senior High Orchestra; Dr. Ann Smith conducting - February 29, 2024
• Holyoke Civic Symphony; David Kidwell conductor - March 10, 2024
• Austin Civic Orchestra; Dr. Beau Benson conducting - May 12, 2024
• Charlotte Symphony Orchestra; Christopher James Lees conducting - May 19, 2024
• Interlochen Philharmonic; Creston Herron conducting - July 28, 2024
• Wichita Symphony Orchestra; Daniel Hege conducting - October 5, 2024
• Kingsville Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Colleen Ferguson conducting - October 6, 2024
• Waco Symphony Orchestra; Lawrence Loh conducting - November 7, 2024
• Northern Valley Youth Orchestra; Dr. Kevin Sütterlin conducting - November 10, 2024 (North Dakota premiere)
• TMEA Region 24 Philharmonic Orchestra; David Eccles conducting - December 14, 2024
• Missouri All State Orchestra; Creston Herron conducting - February 1, 2025
• Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra; Daniel Hege conducting - February 28/March 1, 2025
• Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra; Gerardo Edelstein conducting - April 25, 2025
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra; Shira Samuels-Shragg conducting - May 26, 2025
• Lamont Symphony Orchestra; Lawrence Golan conducting - May 28, 2025
• Oklahoma Youth Orchestra; Dr. Clif Evans conducting - November 2, 2025
• District 214 Orchestra; Creston Herron conducting - January 6, 2026
• PMEA District 4 Orchestra; Sean Radermacher conducting - January 24, 2026
• Northwest Suburban Conference Orchestra; Creston Herron conducting - February 22, 2026
• New Texas Symphony Orchestra; Dr. Michelle Perrin Blair conducting - March 15, 2026
• Montgomery County Orchestra; David J. Fitzpatrick, conductor - April 19, 2026
• Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra; Travis Jürgens, conductor - May 1, 2026
• Concord Chamber Orchestra; Harvey Felder, conductor - May 9, 2026