Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble Performs Werther

Werther, scored for Pierrot Ensemble, was inspired by Goethe’s novel, in particular the writhing emotions embodied in Romanticism, and so clearly expressed her. The clash of classes and the economics system are which they are based are woven here into Werther’s striving for the unobtainable love of Lotte. My music responds to both the lyrical elements and psychological anguish of the narrative. IT is in line with my own musical evolution in which lived experience, whether vicarious or immediate, is a core element of expression.

This program, performed by the Hard Rain SoloistEnsemble, celebrates International Women’s Day, also includes music by Thea Musgrave, Katie Agócs and Irish composers Gráinne Mulvey, Amy Rooney and Ann Cleare. I have frequently been asked how I feel about concerts of music that only include works by women. While I look for the day when gender celebration will not be needed and  gender  isolation will not be an issue, I have two responses:

1. I welcome any performances by outstanding musicians, as is the case here.
2. I don’t hear anyone asking men how they feel about being on programs that only include men!