A November of Improbable Happenings
Not to try to compete with national headlines or anything — though I’d argue the improbable was intentionally framed as inevitable, which makes it that much worse—but November is a month full of a bunch of other stuff I didn’t see coming. In chronological order:
I began a brief stint as Manager of Programs and Initatives at Composers Now, helmed by the formidable Tania León. I’m happy to facilitate connections between living composers and new audiences. There’s a lot going on every month, so keep your eye on the calendar for events all around town, including the big Festival Opening Event coming in January.
The first live concert reading of Like I Care! (Tale of a Middle School Scrooge), a new musical for young audiences by Lisa DeSpain, Sara Wordsworth, and me, was presented by Marymount Manhattan College. It was the culmination of a joyful, life-affirming few weeks. I salute everyone at MMC for creating such a welcoming environment for students and new works to thrive; the lack of competition and seemingly boundless goodwill, kindness, and enthusiasm are enviable and should serve as an exemplum for all such programs. Deep gratitude to director Julie Kramer, music director Scott Ethier, our stage management team led by Lori Zepp, and everyone who worked hard to bring Lisa’s clever adaptation off the page.
November 14th saw the first staging of the newest selections from The AIDS Quilt Songbook at CSU San Bernardino, including “Tearing St. Vincent’s Down”. I’m particularly proud of this song, and I’m always happy to see it live again on any program. (I know of at least one other that will happen in the spring—watch this space.)
On November 19th, I will have my New York Festival of Song debut with My Brother’s Keeper, courtesy of my old muse, Jorell Williams. I have long dreamed of appearing on a NYFOS lineup but have always been too chicken to pursue that dream; it seems counterintuitive, but this program is so beautifully eclectic that I’m less of a sore thumb than I might have guessed.
In keeping with the trend of having my work produced by institutions that would not have me as a student, on November 21st, something of mine is being performed at this gala for an institution I respect and admire very much. I’ll take it! If you attend, let me know how it went!
Finally, I’m closing out the month with a less pleasant event (sans audience, that I know of): my first colonoscopy. If all’s well that ends well, it will also be the last one for several years.
More improbable announcements anon,
RJP
