Wow, what a year… actually, it’s more like two years.

I’ve been kind of neglecting my website duties (though, if you follow me on social media, I’ve still been pretty busy). That being said, I have a lot to share, but there’s something pretty special that I want to share today.

In 2017, I had the incredible privilege to be selected by a consortium headed by the Manitoba Band Association to compose a piece for someone particularly special to our provincial and national band organizations. His name was Ken Epp and, without going into too much detail here, many of us in Manitoba and Canada owe much to his advocacy and hard work for band and music education. I promise that I’ll write more later about this, but for now, let’s continue.

This piece turned into a three-movement work for concert band and concert choir called “Transcendent Light” and it receives it’s US premiere tomorrow night; that is, Monday, April 22nd, 2019. It will be performed by the Arizona State University Barrett Choir and Choral Union, as well as the ASU Wind Orchestra. The conductors are Dr. David Schildkret and Dr. Jason Caslor, respectively. Plus, I’m presenting to the ASU Composition studio for the second time in two years.

It’s an incredible feeling, flying out of the country for a national premiere of my work and presenting at a big university. I promise I’ll write more about “Transcendent Light,” but for now, it’s time to prepare myself for an amazing show. If you’re in the neighbourhood, I sure hope you can join us.

Kenley