June 2018: At the time of this concert, May, 2017, I was asked not to post it, since it was still before the big “World Premiere” at Carnegie Hall, NYC. Now it’s a year later, so I think I’m OK posting this…

To celebrate their mutual 25^th anniversaries, Ensemble Monterey Chamber Orchestra, and Cantiamo! Cabrillo Chorus, commissioned a new piece by renowned Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. “Sunset in My Hand” is a song cycle of 6 pieces, each inspired by the landscapes and beauty of California, and drawing on the poetry of various writers.

With apologies for some poor video quality, here are the six pieces, performed Sunday April 30, 2017, at Peace United Church of Christ, Santa Cruz, CA. This was the second of three scheduled premiere concerts; the first was the night before in Carmel, California, and the third was June 26, 2017, at Carnegie Hall, NYC. Wow, my son Kevin is going to sing at Carnegie Hall! (How did he get there: practice, practice, practice!)

1. The Storm

The Storm is based on…

2. Ode to the Smell of Firewood

Ode to the Smell of Firewood is based on…

3. Prayer at Winter Solstice

Prayer at Winter Solstice is based on…

4. The Redwoods

The Redwoods is based on…

5. Evening Ebb

Evening Ebb is based on…

6. I Hold the Sunset in My Hand

I Hold the Sunset in My Hand is based on…

And here are (L-R) Kevin, Cabrillo Choral Director Cheryl Anderson, Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, and Ensemble Monterey Director-Conductor (and Cheryl’s husband) John Anderson.