made of words... torn by dreams, for alto saxophone and piano, was inspired by lines from a poem by American poet Wallace Stevens. These poetic lines sparked recent considerations on the words I use to define myself— artist, gay man, voter/citizen. They also pushed me to consider who I am as my plans and dreams come to fruition or fail to materialize. What would that do to my definition of self? made of words... torn by dreams will be premiered…

I'm excited to be among the chosen winners of One Ounce Opera's 2nd annual festival of song, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Art Song! My newest song cycle The Creatures: a bestiary retold explores the monsters of medieval bestiaries through the imaginative poetry of Jeffery Beam. The songs were written at the request of soprano Maureen Broy Papovich and in memory of Lee Hoiby, a true master of art song and a generous mentor to me. The show will feature other…

Last weekend was the premiere of my new song cycle for two voices and piano The Creatures: a bestiary retold, chosen as a winners of One Ounce Opera’s 2nd annual festival of song, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Art Song. This week, One Ounce Opera performs this cycle again as guest artists on the UT CLUTCH composers concert. The Creatures: a bestiary retold explores the monsters of medieval bestiaries through the imaginative poetry of Jeffery Beam. The songs were written at…