COMPOSER, PIANIST, EDUCATOR
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James Lee III curriculum vitae
Doctor of Musical Arts phone: (410) 746.8959
Morgan State University e-mail:james.lee@morgan.edu
Professor of Composition and Theory www.jameslee3music.com
EDUCATION:
8/2005 Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition, The University of Michigan
With cognates in Music Theory and Church Music
· Awarded a High Pass in the Oral Preliminary Exam (4/8/04) as the first one in the composition department in four years to do so. Rankings include high pass, pass, low pass, fail.
· (Degree and paperwork conferred August 19, 2005)
4/2001 Master of Music in Composition, The University of Michigan
With cognates in Performance and Music Theory
4/1999 Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, The University of Michigan
COMPOSITION TEACHERS:
The University of Michigan: Michael Daugherty, William Bolcom, Bright Sheng, Betsy Jolas, Susan Botti, Curtis Curtis-Smith, Erik Santos, and James Aikman
Tanglewood Music Center: Osvaldo Golijov, Michael Gandolfi, Stefan Asbury, Steven Mackey, Kaija Saariaho, and Augusta Reed Thomas.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2005–Present Professor of Composition and Theory, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
· Teaches/taught Theory I – IV
· Forms and Analysis (Undergraduate and Graduate)
· Advanced Choral Literature (Graduate)
· History of Black Music (Graduate)
· Contemporary Harmony (Graduate)
· Orchestration (Undergraduate)
· Composition Seminar (Undergraduate)
· Private Composition Lessons (Graduate)
AWARDS, HONORS, FELLOWSHIPS:
2014 Selected for a Fulbright Scholar Grant to the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
2010 Wladimir and Rhoda Lakond Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters given to promising mid-career composers
Upcoming Projects for the 2023-2024 Season
2022/2023 Piano Concerto for American and European orchestras, TBA
2022/2023 English Horn Concerto for American orchestras, TBA
2022/2023 Possible Cello Concerto, TBA
Recently Commissioned Works:
2022 Breaths of Universal Longings for SATB Chorus, SATB
Youth Chorus, and Orchestra. Commissioned by the
May Festival Chorus and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
World Premiere, May 19, 2023, in Cincinnati, OH.
2022 Visions of Cahokia for orchestra. Commissioned by the
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere on
January 28 – 29, 2023, in St. Louis, MO.
2022 Beyond Sensorial Portals for orchestra. Commissioned by the
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra,
and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere on October 1 – 2, 2022 in Orlando, FL.
2022 A Double Standard for soprano and string quartet. Commissioned
by Carnegie Hall, Shriver Hall, Chamber Music Cincinnati, and
Chamber Music Detroit. World Premiere on June 18, 2022 in
New York, NY.
2022 Hold On America, Hold On! for five narrators and orchestra.
Commissioned by the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. World
Premiere on March 5, 2022, in Battle Creek, MI.
2022 Freedom’s Genuine Dawn for narrator and orchestra.
Commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Boston
Symphony Orchestra, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
World Premiere on January 20 & 23, 2022, in Baltimore, MD.
2021 An Engraved American Mourning for orchestra. Commissioned
by the National Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere on
September 10, 2021, in Washington, D.C.
2021 Destined Words for narrator and orchestra. Commissioned by the
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere on June 19, 2021,
in Baltimore, MD.
2021 Chavah’s Daughters Speak for soprano, clarinet, and piano.
Commissioned by the 92 Street Y. World Premiere on
May 12, 2021, in New York, NY.
2021 Songs for the People for mezzo soprano and piano. Commissioned
by Tulsa Opera. World Premiere on May 1 – 2, 2021, in Tulsa, OK
2021 Solar Testimonies for wind ensemble. Commissioned by the
University of North Carolina Greensboro and several other
universities. World Premiere on February 19, 2022, in
Greensboro, NC.
2020 Niiji Memories (flute concerto) for flute and orchestra.
Commissioned by the Columbia Orchestra. World Premiere on
October 16, 2021, in Columbia, MD.
2020 Restored Images for string orchestra. Commissioned by the
Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere on
April 22, 2021, in Easton, MD
2021 Piano Trio No. 3 “Tones of Clay” for violin, cello, and piano.
Commissioned by Chamber Music America. World Premiere on
November 14, 2021, in Lenox, MA.
2020 Lament.Sing.Arise for violin and piano. Commissioned by the
Library of Congress. World Premiere on June 4, 2022, in
Washingon, D.C.
2020 Arukah Symphony for orchestra. Commissioned by the Hopkins
Symphony Orchestra and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra.
World Premiere on February 12, 2022 in Hagerstown, MD.
2020 Ekah for cello and piano. Commissioned by Inbal Segev. World
Premiere recording on June 25, 2021.
2020 Tethered Voices for narrator and orchestra. Commissioned by the
University of Michigan. World Premiere on April 6, 2022, in
Ann Arbor, MI.
2020 Compelling Portraits for flute, cello, tenor trombone, and piano.
Commissioned by Kenneth Thompkins, principal trombone of the
Detroit Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere on June 25, 2021, in
Detroit, MI.
2019 Amer’ican for orchestra. Commissioned by the Detroit Symphony
Orchestra. World Premiere on October 29 – 31, 2021, in
Detroit, MI.
2019 Violin Concerto, No. 2 “Teshuah” for violin and orchestra.
Commissioned by Andrews University. World Premiere on March
12, 2022, in Berrien Springs MI
2018 Beyond Mirrors of Color for soprano, cello, and piano.
World Premiere on January 17 – 18, 2019 in Jacksonville, FL
Soprano and piano version premiere in London, England on
February 28, 2019.
2018 Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano. Commissioned by Rochelle
Sennet and Igor Kalnin. World Premiere on March 16, 2019 in
Decorah, IA.
2017 Ascents and Flourishes for brass quintet. Commissioned by
Burney J. Hollis and Morgan State University. World Premiere on
September 7, 2017 in Baltimore, MD.
2017 Ichabod! The Protest is Over! for orchestra. Commissioned by
David Lockington and the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra. World
Premiere on October 14, 2017 in Pasadena, CA.
2017 Awakened to Eternal Realities for chamber orchestra.
Commissioned by Jordan Randall Smith and Symphony
Number One.
2017 Yoshiyahu Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Orchestra.
Commissioned by Sheldon Bair and the Susquehanna Symphony
Orchestra, Emmanuel Borowsky, violin soloist. World premiere on March 10, 2018.
2016 Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra. Commissioned by Nicolás Panatteri and the Banda Sinfónica de la Provincia de Córdoba
(Argentina). World Premiere on September 8 – 9, 2016, at the Teatro del Libertador San Martín, Córdoba, Argentina.
2015 Hallelu Yah! for chorus a cappella. Commissioned by Tom Hall and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society. World Premiere on March 20, 2016 in Baltimore, MD.
2015 Mother’s Lament for soprano, boys choir, men’s chorus, and orchestra. Commissioned by Vincent Stringer. World Premiere at Morgan State University on September 17, 2016 in Baltimore, MD.
2015 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. Commissioned by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Natal, Brazil. World Premiere by Durval Cesetti and the UFRN Symphony Orchestra on August 27, 2016 at the Onofre Lopes Hall at the School of Music of the Federal University of Rio Grande de Norte in Natal, Brazil.
2015 Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble. Commissioned by Melvin Miles and the Morgan State University Band. Premiered by Rochelle Sennet and the MSU Band on April 24, 2016 in Gilliam Concert Hall at Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD.
2014 Thurgood’s Rhapsody for orchestra. Commissioned by Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for the 100th Anniversary Season of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. World Premiere on June 9 – 11, 2016 in Baltimore and Bethesda, MD.
2014 Piano Trio No. 2 Temple Visions commissioned by the Friends of Chamber Music (Portland, OR), Shriver Hall (Baltimore, MD), Philadelphia Chamber Music Society (Philadelphia, PA), and the Chamber Music Society of Detroit. World Premiere by the Montrose Trio on October 5, 2015 in Portland, OR.
2012 – 2013 Alas! Babylon’s Final Sunset. Commissioned
by Jed Gaylin and the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra,
World Premiere on March 1, 2014 in Baltimore, MD.
2012 – 2013 Psalm Project commissioned work (Psalm 111). Commissioned by the Soli Deo Gloria, world premiere on October 19, 2013 in Indianapolis, IN.
2012 Gye Nyame for chamber orchestra commissioned by Janise White and the Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra. World Premiere on January 13, 2013 in Los Angeles, CA.
2012 Ancient Words, Current Realities! Commissioned by Timothy Mahr and the St. Olaf Band. World Premiere on March 21, 2013 by Timothy Mahr and the St. Olaf Band at the College Band Director’s National Association in Greensboro, NC.
2012 Piano Sonata No. 2 for Rochelle Sennet. World Premiered on April 3, 2013 at the University of Illinois.
2011 Chuphshah! Harriet’s Drive to Canaan for Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra World Premiere on September 23 – 25, 2011 in Baltimore and Bethesda, MD.
2011 Sukkot Through Orion’s Nebula for the Sphinx Commissioning Consortium for premieres with seven orchestras throughout the 2011 – 2012 and 2012 – 2013 seasons. World Premiere by Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony Orchestra on October 15 – 16, 2011 in Miami Beach, FL.
2010 Night Visions of Kippur (Piano Quintet) for the Ritz Chamber Players, commissioned by the University of Washington. World Premiere on February 15, 2012 in Seattle, WA.
2010 Sonata for Viola and Piano commissioned by Marcus Thompson premiered at the National Gallery of Art in February 13, 2011 in Washington, D.C.
2010 To the World Morgan, A New Era for concert band for the inauguration of the new president of Morgan State University, David Wilson. World Premiere on October 21, 2010 in Baltimore, MD.
2008 A Different Soldier’s Tale. World premiere by Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, December 11 – 14, 2008 in Detroit, MD.
PUBLICATIONS:
2009 – present All concert music is published by Subito Music Publishing
Company. http://www.subitomusic.com/composers/highlights/james-lee-iii/james-lee-iii-works/
http://store.subitomusic.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3_110_558
RECORDINGS:
2022 American Stories – Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet
Anthony McGill and the Pacifica Quartet
Cedille Records (to be released in November 2022)
2022 James Lee III: Recuerdos Diaspóricos (single)
Josh Tatsuo Cullen; piano
2022 Memories Unsettled – Abraham’s Son
(In Memoriam, Trayvon Martin)
Navona Label: 6437
2021 Voyages – Orchestral Music by James Lee III
ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop
Avie Records: AV2507
2020 20 For 2020, Volume I (Ekah for Cello and Piano)
Inbal Segev, cello; Anna Polonsky, piano
2010 A Clean Heart
Christmas at Baltimore’s First Cathedral
Tom Hall and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society
Gothic Records
ASIN: B003X859HU
2014 Piano Music of James Lee III Alkebulan’s Son on the Albany Label performed by Rochelle Sennet
Albany Records
TROY 1494
GUEST PRESENTATIONS and Residencies:
2022 Visiting Composition Faculty at the Aspen School of Music and Festival, August 12 – 16, 2022.
2022 Visiting Composition Faculty at the National Orchestral Institute
at the University of Maryland, College Park, Composition program, June 21 – 23, 2022.
2022 Visiting Composition Faculty at the University of North Carolina
Greensboro, February 15 – 20, 2022.
2015 Lecture recital on the piano music of James Lee III on May 21, 2015 at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música in Lima, Peru.
2015 Lecture recital on the piano music of James Lee III on May 21, 2015 at the Peruvian Union Adventist University in Ñaña, Lurigancho, Peru.
2014 Lecture on the Piano Music of James Lee III on October 8, 2014 at the School of Music of the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
2013 Workshop on composition and arranging on September 17 & 19, 2013 at the Adventist University of São Paulo (UNASP), Engenheiro Coelho, São Paulo, Brazil.
2013 Lecture on the “Role of the Composer in the 21st Century” on September 18, 2013 at the Adventist University of São Paulo (UNASP), Engenheiro Coelho, São Paulo, Brazil.
2013 Composition Workshop on January 11, 2013 at the School of Music of the University of California at Los Angeles.
2012 Composition Workshop on November 8, 2012 at the University of Akron, Akron, OH.
2012 Composition Masterclass on March 22, 2012 at the Department of Music of Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL.
2012 Week-long residency with the Ritz Chamber Players, the University of Washington, Seattle and Tacoma Symphony Orchestras, Youth Composers’ Workshop on February 14 – 16, 2012, Seattle, WA.
2010 Composer-in-residence for the Ritz Chamber Players in the spring of 2010 in Jacksonville, FL.
2008 Guest composer residency with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on December 5 – 11, 2008, Detroit, MI.
2007 Guest Composition Lecturer at the Nathan Carter School of Music
at the New Shiloh Baptist Church, Alethia Starke, Dean.
List of compositions including premiere dates and select performances:
Orchestral
Papa Lapa (2001 Masters Thesis under the supervision of William Bolcom)
· World Premiere by Laura Jackson and the University Philharmonia Orchestra on February 6, 2001 at Hill Auditorium, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
· Read by Thomas Wilkins and Detroit Symphony Orchestra on April 22, 2001 at Orchestra Hall, Detroit, MI.
A Place for God’s People (2002)
· Commissioned for the centennial celebration of Andrews University.
· World Premiere by Morihiko Nakahara and the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra on February 23, 2002 at Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.
Through the Eyes of Time (2003)
· Commissioned by the Alabama All-State Festival Orchestra
· World Premiere by Anthony Elliott and the Alabama All-State Orchestra on February 8, 2004 in Mobile, AL.
· Performed by Anthony Elliott and the Dexter Community Orchestra on November 1, 2015 in Dexter, MI.
Beyond Rivers of Vision (2005, written as a dissertation under the supervision of Michael
Daugherty).
· World Premiere on October 19 – 21, 2006 by Leonard Slatkin and the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.
· Performance of the first movement by Thomas Wilkins and the Philadelphia Orchestra on January 21, 2008 (Martin Luther King Program), Philadelphia, PA.
· Performance of the first movement by Thomas Wilkins and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on February 21 – 23, 2008 (Classical Roots Concert) at Orchestra Hall, Detroit, MI.
· Performance by David Loebel and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra on February 15, 2009 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
· Memphis, TN.
· Performance by Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on January 29 – 30, 2010, Detroit, MI.
· Performance by Thomas Wilkins and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on February 8, 2011 at Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, IN.
A Different Soldier’s Tale (2008)
· Premiered with Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in December 11- 14, 2008.
Chuphshah! Harriet’s Drive to Canaan (2011)
· World Premiere by Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on September 23 – 25, 2011 in Baltimore and Bethesda, MD.
· Performed by Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on March 8, 2014 in Detroit, MI.
· Scheduled performance by Jason Love and the Columbia Orchestra on February 4, 2017 in Columbia, MD.
Sukkot Through Orion’s Nebula (2011), (commissioned by the Sphinx Commissioning Consortium)
· World Premiere performances by Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony Orchestra on October 15 – 16, 2011 at the New World Center, Miami Beach, FL.
· Performance by Juanjo Mena and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra on January 13 – 14, 2012 at the Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH.
· Performance by David Lockington and the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra on February 10 – 11, 2012 at the DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, MI.
· Performance by Leonard Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on March 8 – 9, 2013 at Orchestra Hall, Detroit, MI.
· Performance by Christopher Wilkins and the Akron Symphony Orchestra on November 10, 2012 at the E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Akron, OH.
· South American Premiere by the Americana Symphony Orchestra, Jetro Meira de Oliveira, conductor on September 22, 2013 at the church of the Adventist University of São Paulo, in Engenheiro Coelho, São Paulo, Brazil.
· Second performance by the Americana Symphony Orchestra, Jetro Meira de Oliveira, conductor on September 24, 2013 at the Church of the Nazarene in Americana, São Paulo, Brazil.
· Performance by Thomas Wilkins and the Omaha Symphony Orchestra on June 5 – 6, 2015 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha, NE
· Scheduled performance by Joseph Young and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Atlanta Symphony Hall on October 20 & 22, 2016, Atlanta, GA.
Gye Nyame (2012)
· World Premiere by Janise White and the Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra on January 13, 2013 at Wilshire United Methodist Church, Los Angeles, CA.
Alas! Babylon’s Final Sunset (2013), (commissioned by the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra, Jed Gaylin, Music Director)
· World Premiere performance by Jed Gaylin and the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra on March 1, 2014 at Shriver Hall, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Thurgood’s Rhapsody (2015), (commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Marin Alsop, Music Director)
· World Premiere performances by Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on June 9 – 10, 2016 at the Joseph Meyerhoff Hall, Baltimore, MD.
· World Premiere performance by Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on June 11, 2016 at the Strathmore Music Center, Bethesda, MD.
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra (2015)
· World Premiere by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte Symphony Orchestra, Durval Cesetti, piano, Andre Luiz Muniz Oliveira, conductor on August 27, 2016 at the School of Music (Onofre Lopes Hall) of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Symphonic Winds
Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Ensemble (2016)
· World Premiere by the Symphonic Band of the Province of Córdoba (Argentina), Nicolás Panatteri, clarinet, Shawn Smith, conductor on September 8-9, 2016 at the Teatro del Libertador San Martín in Córdoba, Argentina.
Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble (2015)
· World Premiere performance by Rochelle Sennet (piano), Melvin Miles (conductor), and the Morgan State University Band on April 24, 2016 at the Gilliam Concert Hall, Baltimore, MD.
Millennium Homecoming (2014)
· World Premiere performance by Melvin Miles and the Morgan State University Band on April 26, 2015 at the Gilliam Concert Hall, Baltimore, MD.
Ancient Words, Current Realities! (2012)
· World Premiere performance by Timothy Mahr and the St. Olaf Band on March 21, 2013 at the College Band Directors National Association convention in Greensboro, NC.
Chamber
Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano (2000)
· World Premiere by John Littlejohn, violin and James Lee III, piano on April 9, 2000 at the McIntosh Theater of the University of Michigan School of Music.
· Performed by Amadi Azikiwe and Mikael Darmanie on January 31, 2015 in the Recital Hall, Carl Murphy Fine Arts Center of Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD.
Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano (2018)
· World Premiere by Igor Kalnin and Rochelle Sennet on March 16, 2019 at Luther College in Decorah, IA.
Sonata for Viola and Piano (2010)
· World Premiere by Marcus Thompson, viola and Judith Gordon, piano at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. February 13, 2011.
Sonata for Cello and Piano (2002)
· World Premiere by Anthony Elliott, cello and James Lee III, piano at the University of Michigan (April 2002)
The Appointed Time for String Quartet (1999)
· World Premiere on August 4, 2002 by Tanglewood Music Center Fellows in Seiji Ozawa Hall at the Tanglewood Music Center, Lenox, MA.
· Performed by the Ritz Chamber Players on April 21, 2010 at Jacoby Symphony Hall, Jacksonville, FL
· Performed by the Harlem Chamber Players on February 1, 2012 at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
· Performed by the Harlem Chamber Players on February 23, 2014 at the Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn, NY.
String Quartet No. 2 (2014)
· World Premiere by the Harlem Chamber Players on February 22, 2015 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, New York, NY.
Into Sonic Horizons (2006)
· Premiered by Anita Thesen, flute, Elizabeth Gunlogsen, clarinet, and James Lee III, piano, February 26, 2007 at Morgan State University
· Composed especially for the inaugural program of the Morgan Chamber Players and James Lee III’s faculty recital featuring selected music composed from (1998 – 2007)
Choro sem tristeza (2009) for flute solo
· Performance by Edyelwys Renné at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (Onofre Lopes Hall) on November 19, 2014 in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Scenes Upon Eternity’s Edge (2010)
· World Premiere by the Monument Piano Trio and flute (Marcia Kamper) on February 28, 2010 at An die Musik, Baltimore, MD.
Ad Anah? for clarinet and piano (2015)
World Premiere by Allison Yacoub and James Lee III on October 21, 2015 in the Gilliam Concert Hall, Carl Murphy Fine Arts Center, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD.
Night Visions of Kippur (2011), (commissioned by J.C. and Renee Cannon on behalf of the University of Washington’s International Chamber Music Series)
· World Premiere performance by the Ritz Chamber Players on February 15, 2012 at Meany Hall, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
· World Premiere performance by the Ritz Chamber Players on February 16, 2012 at 33/McKinley Room, Microsoft Conference Center, Redman, WA.
· Performance by the Ritz Chamber Players on November 17, 2012 at Bethel United Methodist Church Hall, Lewes, DE.
· Performed by the Ritz Chamber Players on August 15, 2013 at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Rochester, NY.
· Performed by members of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra on June 24, 2016 at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Seattle, WA.
· Scheduled performance by a chamber music group at the XXIX Festival de La Habana, Música Contemporánea on November 12 – 20, 2016 in Havana, Cuba.
Abraham’s Sons (In Memoriam: Trayvon Martin) for cello solo (2013)
· World Premiere by Timothy Holley on September 14, 2014 at the Centennial Chapel, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC.
· Performance by Timothy Holley on January 21, 2016 at Person Recital Hall, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
Passeios Harmônicos (2014)
· World Premiere by a chamber music group of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (Onofre Lopes Hall) on November 19, 2014 in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.
Piano Trio No. 2 “Temple Visions” (2014), (commissioned by Shriver Hall Concert Series, Friends of Chamber Music Portland, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Chamber Music Society of Detroit)
· World Premiere performance by the Montrose Trio on October 5, 2015 at Lincoln Performance Hall, PSU, Portland, OR.
· Performance by the Montrose Trio on October 25, 2015 at Shriver Hall, Baltimore, MD.
· Performance by the Montrose Trio on October 27, 2015 at Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA.
· Performance by the Montrose Trio on November 14, 2015 at Seligman Performing Arts Center, Beverly Hills, MI.
Piano
Piano Sonata No. 1 (2002)
· World Premiere by James Lee III in March 2003 at the School of Music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI.
· Performance by Terrence Wilson on April 29, 2010 at Meany Hall, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
· World Premiere Recording by Rochelle Sennet on the Albany Label on May 1, 2014.
· Performance by Rochelle Sennet on May 31, 2014 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
· Performance by Rochelle Sennet in the Recital Hall of the School of Music, Theater, and Dance at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI on January 15, 2015.
· Performance by Rochelle Sennet in the PepsiCo Recial Hall at Texas Christian University on February 1, 2015.
· Performance by Rochelle Sennet in the Hatch Recital Hall of the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY on August 12, 2015.
· Performance by Rochelle Sennet at College Music Symposium “Exploring Diverse Perspectives” in Indianapolis. This is part of a lecture recital entitled “The Piano Sonatas of James Lee III: Trends in African American Classical Music” on November 11, 2015.
Piano Sonata No. 2 “The Remnant” (2011)
· World Premiere by Rochelle Sennet in the Foellinger Great Hall at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at The University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign on April 3, 2013.
· World Premiere Recording by Rochelle Sennet on the Albany Label on May 1, 2014.
Piano Sonata No. 3 “The Classical” (2018)
· Composed for my theory classes at Morgan State University
Souls of Alkebulan (2012)
· World Premiere Recording by Rochelle Sennet on the Albany Label on May 1, 2014.
· Performance of “Memories of Axum” from Souls of Alkebulan by Girma Yifrashewa at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club on May 3, 2015 in Bethesda, MD.
Fantasía Rítmica (2003)
· World Premiere by Stephanie Bruning in the Recital Hall of the Carl Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State University on February 26, 2007.
Encounters with I AM (2001)
· Three movements premiered by the composer in Benton Harbor, MI
· (June 2002)
…Of Love and Peace (2003)
· Premiered by the composer at the Tokyo SDA Church, Tokyo, Japan (June 2003)
Twelve Preludes of the New Earth (2009)
· Premiered by Daniel Lau at the College of Notre Dame in November 2009
Window to Eternity’s Threshold (2017)
· World Premiere by Olga Kern during the 2019/20 season.
Ya’akov’s Last Words (2018)
· World Premiere by Dr. Yulia Lipmanovich on March 10, 2019 in Chicago, IL.
Choral
Listen, Ye People of God (1996, rev. 2002), mixed chorus, organ, timpani, horn, trumpet
· Premiered May 24, 1996 at Andrews University
· 2nd Performance in Benton Harbor, MI (2002)
· Composed for Stephen Zork at Andrews University for a religious program at Pioneer Memorial Church. Biblical texts come from Deuteronomy, 2 Thessalonians, and Jeremiah.
Psalm 61 (2002), mixed chorus a cappella
· Premiered by members of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus in Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood (2002).
· Written under the supervision of John Oliver, Tanglewood Festival Chorus Director, Steve Mackey, and Michael Gandolfi.
Sympathy (2001), mixed chorus, flute, percussion, harp
· Premiered by the Leigh Morris Chorale in St. Paul, MN (2002)
· Text from Paul Laurence Dunbar and written as a composition competition entry.
Alleluia (2003), mixed chorus a cappella
· Premiered by the Oakwood Aeolians of Oakwood College, Lloyd Mallory, director in Huntsville, AL (April, 2006)
My Lord, What a Mournin’ (2005), mixed chorus and piano
· Premiered in Cape Town, South Africa (2005) by Willis Patterson and the “Our Own Thing Chorale”
· Second and third Performance (4/6/06 & 5/2006) by the Morgan State University Choir at Morgan State University, Dr. Eric Conway, conductor
· Written for a tour to South Africa in June/July 2005.
Let the Words of My Mouth (2005), mixed chorus a cappella
· Premiered December 31, 2005 in Chattanooga, TN at the General Youth Conference by the GYC Choir, www.generalyouthconference.org
· Written especially for this conference and conducted by the composer.
The Day is At Hand (2005), mixed chorus, brass quartet, and piano
· Premiered December 31, 2005 in Chattanooga, TN at the General Youth Conference by the GYC Choir, www.generalyouthconference.org
· Written for this conference and conducted by the composer.
Lamb of God, Who Liveth (2007), mixed chorus, organ, and string orchestra
· Premiered at Sligo SDA Church, Takoma Park, MD. Dr. Lloyd Mallory Jr., conductor
· Written for an Easter celebration service at Sligo SDA Church in Takoma Park, MD.
Come Unto Me (2007), mixed chorus and piano, mixed chorus and orchestra
· Pine Forge Academy Choir and Orchestra, May 5, 2007. Jason Max Ferdinand, conductor
· Morgan State University Annual Spring Concert, Dr. Eric Conway, conductor
In this Marriage (2006) for mixed choir a cappella, Andrews University, August 2006
· Written for the composer’s wedding
A Clean Heart (2009) for mixed choir a cappella
· Premiered by Tom Hall and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society on December 1, 2009
· Recording available on the Gothic Label “Christmas at America’s First Cathedral.” Also available at www.amazon.com.
A Revelação Através do Santuário (2012) for mixed choir and orchestra
· World Premiere by the Oficina Chorale of the Adventist University of São Paulo and Americana Symphony Orchestra, Jetro Meira de Oliveira on September 22, 2013 at the church of the Adventist University of São Paulo, in Engenheiro Coelho, São Paulo, Brazil.
· Second performance by the Americana Symphony Orchestra, Jetro Meira de Oliveira, conductor on September 24, 2013 at the Church of the Nazarene in Americana, São Paulo, Brazil.
Psalm 111 (2013), commissioned by Soli Deo Gloria for mixed choir and orchestra
· World Premiere by Michelle Louer and the choir and orchestra of the Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis on October 19, 2013, Indianapolis, IN.
Uma Mensagem para Laodicéia (2014) for chorus a cappella
· World Premiere by Jetro de Oliveira an Madrigal Officina of the Universidade Adventista de São Paulo in Engenheiro Coelho, São Paulo, Brazil on December 2, 2014.
Hallelu Yah! (2015), commissioned by the Baltimore Choral Arts Society, Tom Hall, Music Director.
· World Premiere by Tom Hall and the Baltimore Choral Arts Society on March 20, 2016 in Kraushaar Auditorium at Goucher College, Baltimore, MD.
Mother’s Lament: So Many Names Unknown, So Many Sons Lost (2015) for soprano, boy choir, men’s chorus, and orchestra
· World Premiere by Marquita Lister, Julien Benichou, and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra on September 17, 2016 in the Gilliam Concert Hall, Carl Murphy Fine Arts Center, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD.
Organ
Ascend the Mountain: A Walk with Dr. King (2000) (ca. 9’)
· Premiered by Kenneth Logan on February 11, 2000 at Pioneer Memorial Church at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.
· Performed by William Kitterman, Yale University, May 2007
· Composed for a special Black History Month celebration program at Andrews University, February 2000 in Pioneer Memorial Church
· Performed at the Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Program at the University of Michigan, Hill Auditorium, January 16, 2012.
· Performed by Marvin Mills on March 2, 2014 at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, PA.
Canção de Néiazinha (2006) for Organ and String Quartet, Andrews University, August 2006
· Written for the composer’s wedding.
Variations on Balm in Gilead (2001)
· Premiered by Marilyn Mason at the University of Michigan (June 2001)
· 2nd Performance by Linda Mack in Benton Harbor (2002)
· Commissioned by Marilyn Mason
From Me Flows Understanding (2002), organ with soprano solo
· Premiered by Julia Lindsey, soprano and Linda Mack, organ in Benton Harbor, MI (2002)
· Later performances by Jill Pearon, soprano and Krista Shinew, organ in southeast Michigan, (fall of 2002)
· Commissioned by the Twin Cities (Michigan) Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Vocal Music
Thoughts of Idle Hours (1998 – 1999), soprano and piano
- Text by Myra Viola Wilds
· Premiered by Varvara Fitisova and James Lee III (April 2000)
· 2nd Performance at Indiana University (March 2001)
· 3rd song of the cycle included in the 2nd Anthology of Art Songs by African American Composers compiled by Willis Patterson
· Performed at Morgan State University, February 26, 2007 by Dr. Margaret Olson and Dr. Samuel Springer
Four Songs of Love and Death (2003), bass/baritone and piano
- Text by Langston Hughes
· World Premiere by Vincent Stringer and Adam Mahonske on February 26, 2007 in the Recital Hall at Morgan State University, February 26, 2007.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
American Society of Composer, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)
International Adventist Musicians Association (IAMA)
College Music Society (CMS)
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