Program Note: Valor is a showpiece inspired by the virtuosic violin music of Pagnini, Bartok, and Ravel. In particular, the “showpieces” of Pagnini were particularly inspiring in their purposeful yet remarkable difficulty and thrilling, high-stakes drama. The concept of a “showpiece”, an Olympian-style challenge for a violinist struck me as both musically interesting, but also humorous. Growing up as a percussionist and later as a composer, my teachers at least attempted to project a notion that their should be some air of humility and attempt to keep one’s ego at bay. The showpiece concept flies in the face of this completely so boldly I find it hard not to laugh just thinking about it. 

When the opportunity to write one came — for Doori Na, an incredibly talented violinist and musician – I jumped at it. And in the spirit of genre, the title Valor is a tribute to the courage these musicians no doubt must summon.

Commisioned By: For Doori Na

Premiere: World Premiere at Kaufman Center Musical Storefronts Series with subsequent performance with the Sherman Chamber Ensemble