The Kassia ensemble commissioned the first piece composed for their entire sparkling ensemble of clarinet, harp and string quintet, and I have responded with Kassia, inspired by the 9th-century abbess, poet and hymnographer. She is the only woman whose music is included in the Eastern Orthodox Church liturgy, and likely the first woman whose music has survived until now! I have referenced fragments of two of her chants and was also inspired by rreadings of her poetry in the original Greek. This ensemble affords a wealth of timbral beauty. Stay tuned for the premiere date!
