Commissioned by the New World Symphony
Our Game was written in the early spring of 2012 for the New World Symphony. My good friend Joshua Gersen was conducting a concert inspired by baseball, and asked for a piece from me. Joshua knew I loved baseball and how much fun I would have writing it. Initially, I found it difficult to translate my love of sports into music—how can you capture a home run? A steal? A balk? So I turned to what makes baseball special to me. I played until I went to college; I played stickball and wiffle-ball and had impromptu home run derbies with my friends.
Just a few months ago, my father and I were driving across New York State and were staying at a Rodeway Inn and we got our gloves and had a catch. I try to capture the tender, magical quality of the game as well as the grander side of the sport. In addition, there are many quotes and mini-homages throughout the music from baseball movies I love, sports networks, and more.
Our Game can mean many things: America’s game, my friends and I, Little League—but this piece is dedicated to my father, who taught me it and how to appreciate it.
Premiered by Joshua Gersen and the New World Symphony in March 2012
2018
Commissioned by the Lake George Music Festival with support from the New York State Council for the Arts
2015
Written for the Amarillo Symphony and the Manhattan Chamber Players
2010
Commissioned by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra for Paul Ferington
2009
2011 Aspen Music Festival Jacob Druckman Award
2008
Premiered by JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
