Luminosity

"Evocative, a blend of light textures with the simplicity of a film score plus big, walls of near-dissonant sound, heavy on percussion, brass blaring heroically...good enough to earn an extra measure of applause as he resumed his seat in the audience." -The Grand Rapids Press

The musicians of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra approached me in 2009 about commissioning me to write a concert opener. I was thrilled by the offer. I then learned that the piece was to be in honor of Paul Ferington, in his 25th year on the conducting staff of the BPO. Paul and I have performed many times together, including many concerts on Christmas Eve at my church just about every year. But more than that, Paul has been a great mentor and friend to me. He is one of those rare people whose joy for life is contagious to every person around him. So, when I was approached about this, I was very excited: a celebratory piece for Paul—and it was to be “fittingly joyous.” Thus, came Luminosity—a portrait of the light and excitement Paul exudes.

Subsequent performances by the San Francisco Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Houston Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and others

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