New CD Release

River, for Chamber Orchestra, Premiere

New Works for Chorus

Celestial Turnings Premiere

VocalEssense Commission:
Hymn of the Universe

Opera for Family Audience:
Summer of Swans

Commissions and
Performances
New CD Release, Albany Records Tina Davidson’s solo compact disc, It is My Heart Singing was released on Albany Records, and features expressive, vivid music for string quartet, masterfully performed by the Cassatt String Quartet. In a Philadelphia Inquirer review by David Patrick Stern, Davidson’s CD was rated four stars out of four;

“… emotional generous, genuinely uplifting music. Those who know Terry Riley’s post-minimalist string quartets will be particularly at home with Davidson. Her music is less trippy, and ostinato more vigorous and, in general, more concentrated with distinctly American syncopation and density of events. Davidson composes in discrete modules that are strung together with great intuition; she creates a continuous flow, which means the music feels less like a journey and more like a meditation.

“Most fascinating is the triple string quartet, Paper, Glass, heard here in an overdubbed version by the excellent Cassatt Quartet: Davidson has a field day with the rich possibilities of texture. What all this has to do with paper, glass, string and wood of the title is beyond me. But I love the music too much to care.”
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River, a New Work for Orchestra River was commissioned for the Reading Symphony Orchestra by the Reading Public Museum in honor of its 100th anniversary. The work, hailed as a “triumph” by Susan Pena of the Reading Eagle,

“turned out to be stunning, as full of subtle surprises as a walk through a museum. Beginning softly, with murmuring discussion in the lower strings punctuated by hushed cymbals, the piece slowly gathered energy and substance, then came to a pensive conclusion. Along the way were passages of beautiful lyricism, interesting rhythms, a lovely French horn quartet, trumpets and trombones building to a climax over rushing strings – in short, an opulent piece with a spiritual quality.”
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New Works for Chorus, available now Tina Davidson has recently released several new sacred works for chorus. In 2005 she was commissioned by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church to write a work honoring the work of author, educator and missionary, Richard Shaull, who believed in the transformation of individuals and societies. On the Other Side of Change, for a cappella chorus, speaks to “this precious faith, which puts you in touch with a God, who is recreating human life and transforming the world.”

Duan Nollaig, for chorus and chamber orchestra, uses five carols (Duan) from the Carmina Gadelica to celebrate the Christmas (Nollaig) season. Using texts from a collection of Celtic folk prayers, hymns, and blessings, these carols bring to life “that night the star shone, was born the Shepherd of the Flock, of the Virgin of the hundred charms.” World premiere opportunity available.

Tu Autem, for a cappella chorus, was commissioned by Foundation for Universal Sacred Music for their annual festival. The piece is based on the words of the great mystic, Teilhard de Chardin, and resounds with the joyous, “Lock me up, lock me up, Lord!”
 
Celestial Turnings Premiere Celestial Turnings, Tina Davidson's work for string orchestra was premiered by Orchestra 2001 at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. The work was featured in a review by David Patrick Stearns of the Philadelphia Inquirer, who enthusiastically wrote:

"Music sometimes arrives in your life with an air of inevitability. You know you're hearing something for the first time, but your brain seems to have been secretly waiting for it. The ultimate, paradoxical effect is that of a musical homecoming with a total stranger, which happened at the premiere of Tina Davidson's new string orchestra work, Celestial Turnings.

"This composer works extensively in special-music programs for inner-city schools while fulfilling commissions for the likes of the National Symphony Orchestra. Her pieces often have ethereal titles and an underlying motion you'd characterize as restless, were it not so tension-free. Similarly, Celestial Turnings has a bedrock of quasi-minimalist cells of repeated melody and rhythm, over which terse gestures and graceful glissandos unfold ... the music's sharp-focused clarity of vision gives it a sense of expressive imperative - the piece says this is the way it had to be."
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VocalEssence Commission:
Hymn of the Universe

VocalEssence commissioned Tina Davidson to write a major new work for their 26-member Ensemble Singers under the direction of Philip Brunelle.  The work, entitled Hymn of the Universe, is based on the writings of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, an ardent Christian, an internationally known scientist and prolific religious writer who died in the 1950s.  Using texts from his hymnlike prayer, The Mass of the World, and his riveting Hymn to Matter, Davidson delves into the spirit of Chardin's writing, revealing "the essence of things - a living heart beating with the fiery energy of love and compassion."  Hymn of the Universe is scored for SATB chorus, English horn, string quartet and marimba, and was premiered in Minneapolis.  The work earned high praise from reviewer William Randall Beard of the Star Tribune, who wrote,

"It was both intellectually rigorous and deeply moving.  The first movement seemed to vibrate like a mystical revelation, complex and compelling.  By contrast, the second was a lullaby to the soul, utterly transparent in its simplicity.  The third movement was an extroverted song of praise, seemingly propelled by the very energy of creation.  The work concluded with an a cappella movement of quiet grace."
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Children's Opera,
Summer of the Swans:
 Ready for Workshop and Production

Composer Tina Davidson, poet Eva Davidson, and adapter/director Ben Levit have created a new opera for family audiences based on Betsy Byers Newbery Award winning novel, Summer of the Swans.  At the heart of the story is the gaining of understanding and compassion for those who are different.  Themes of love, family, forgiveness, and most importantly, diversity weave their way throughout the story.  Sara, just fourteen, is grappling with the difficulties of adolescence, the loss of her mother, and the absence of her father.  Charlie, her younger brother, has cognitive disabilities and lives in his own silent world.  When Charlie runs away and gets lost, Sara goes out to search for him.  She finds not only him, but also a deepening of love and understanding for her brother.

Along with composer Tina Davidson, is poet Eva Davidson who has an MFA from Warren Wilson Program for Writers, and won the American Academy of Poets Prize. Ben Levit's talent as a director and dramaturge is widely known.  His work has garnered Joseph Jefferson and Obie Awards and his world premiere production of The Hidden Sky was awarded the 2000 Barrymore Award for 'Outstanding Direction of a Musical.'   This artistic team worked on Tina Davidson's highly acclaimed opera, Billy and Zelda, produced by OperaDelaware.

Outreach activities include an educational program storybook, consultations with siblings of children with disabilities, and post-performance audience conversation about issues raised in the opera and the book.

Summer of the Swans, scored for five voices (soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor and boy soprano), children's chorus, clarinet, bassoon, string quartet, and percussion, is approximately one hour in length. The work was commissioned by The Carlsen Center (Overland Park, KS).

If you are interested in this project, please contact Cynthia Herbst at Cynthia@AIArtists.com.


Commissions

  • Commission, 2006: The Other Side of Change, the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and Nancy Johns for a new work for SATB choir honoring Richard Schaull.

  • Commission, 2005: Summer of the Swans, The Carlsen Center for a new work for family audiences.

  • Commission, 2005: Tu Autem, Foundation for Universal Sacred Music for a new work for a cappella SATB.

  • Commission, 2004: River, The Reading Public Museum for a work for orchestra to commemorate their 100th anniversary.

  • Commission, 2004: A Bright Flash of Wings, Concertante chamber ensemble for string sextet.
  • Commission, 2003: Hymn of the Universe, VocalEssence ensemble for SATB choir, English horn, string quartet, and marimba.
  • Commission, 2003: \Cel"e*brate\, newEar Chamber Ensemble for alto saxophone, bass clarinet, piano, and percussion, in honor of their 10th anniversary.
  • Commission, 2002: Listening to the Earth, Mid-Atlantic "Artist as Catalyst" for adult and children's chorus.
  • Commission, 2002: Beyond the Blue Horizon, National Symphony Orchestra "Encore".
  • Commission, 2001: In the Garden We Gather for SATB chorus, City of Philadelphia's Mural Arts Program as part of the creation of a mural at a Latino facility for AIDS patients and their families.
  • Commission, 2001: Bodies in Motion, WHYY-TV for piano trio for their television documentary, "Thomas Eakins:Scenes from Modern Life."
  • Commission 2001: Walk in the Light, Singing City, for SATB chorus.
  • Commission 2000: Paper, Glass, String & Wood, Fleisher Art Memorial, for triple string quartet.
  • Commission 2000: In the Garden, Mural Arts, a new
    work for SATB chorus.
  • Commission 1999: The Delight of Angels, Fleisher Art Memorial, for the Cassatt String Quartet. 

Performances
  • Delight of Angels for string quartet: Cassatt String Quartet, Music Naturally Festival, Lancaster, PA, June 29, 2006.
  • What We Need is Here for a cappella SATB chorus: premiered by the Unitarian Universalist Church, Lancaster, PA, April 9, 2006.
  • The Other Side of Change for a cappella SATB chorus: premiered by the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr, PA, February 26, 2006.
  • River for chamber orchestra: premiered by the Reading Symphony conducted by Benjamin Shwartz, Reading, PA, November 20, 2005.
  • Tu Autem for a cappella SATB: premiered at the Foundation for Universal Sacred Music Festival, NYC, October 29, 2005.
  • Paper, String, Glass & Wood for triple string quartet: Cassatt Quartet, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, October 23, 2005.
  • Fire On The Mountain for marimba, vibraphone and piano: Zeitgeist, Minneapolis, MN in six performances, March 13-21, 2005.
  • Hymn of the Universe for SATB chorus and ensemble: premiered by VocalEssence in two performances, Philip Brunelle, conductor,
    March 13-14, 2004.
  • A Bright Flash of Wings for string sextet: premiered by Concertante, in three performances in Harrisburg, Baltimore and Merkin Concert Hall, NYC, February, 6, 7, and 10, 2004.
  • River of Love, River of Light for SATB and ensemble: performed by Voces Novae et Antique in Philadelphia, February 28,
    March 2, 2003.
  • \Cel"e*brate\ for ensemble: newEar Chamber Ensemble, Kansas City, May 10, 2003.
  • Celestial Turnings for string orchestra: performed by Orchestra 2001, Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, January 25, 27, 2003.
  • I Hear the Mermaids Singing for ensemble: Brooklyn Museum, New York City, December 8, 2002.
  • Paper, String, Glass & Wood for triple string quartet: Peabody School of Music, November 24, 2002.
  • Listening to the Earth for children's & SATB chorus: Atkinson Memorial Park, June 9, 2002.
  • Come Walk in the Light for SATB chorus: Singing City Chorus, Philadelphia, February 23, 2002.
  • It is My Heart Singing for string quartet and piano: Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, February 10, 2002.
  • Beyond the Blue Horizon for full orchestra: premiered by the National Symphony Orchestra, three performances at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Jan. 25-27, 2002.
  • The Selkie Boy for narrator and chamber orchestra: commissioned and premiered by St Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minneapolis, two performances, December 1, 2001.
  • Delight of Angels for string quartet: Cassatt Quartet, Sacramento New Music Festival, November 14, 2001.
  • Antiphon for a Virgin for a cappella chorus: on tour in Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, the Slovak Republic and France, the Plymouth Music Series, Ensemble Singers performs, June 30 -July 12, 2001.
  • Mango Songs ; six pieces for piano: Jed Distler, piano
    New York City, March, 2001.
  • Paper, String, Glass & Wood for triple string quartet: in performance with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and two student quartets, Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, March 23, 25, 2001.
  • Antiphon for a Virgin for SATB: winner of ATHENA Festival Choral Competition, Murray, KY, February 28, 2001.
  • The Selkie Boy for narrator and orchestra: Philadelphia Orchestra in six performances that includes a dramatic presentation by the Mum Puppet Theater, February 29, March 1, 3, and 11, 2000,
    Academy of Music, Philadelphia.