The premiere of Steel Symphony (July 2, 2013) by Christopher Houlihan in Hartford was truly one of the great nights of my musical life. It simply couldn’t have gone better—it was phenomenally well-attended, Chris played superbly, and the whole program really came together beautifully.
Steel Symphony, which was commissioned for this performance by Trinity College Chapel Music, was also one of the first pieces to be performed on Trinity College’s new four-manual Austin console. It proved itself very much up to the challenge.
I’ve posted some pictures below (thanks to Mike Raciti and Trinity College Communications for taking them!). You can watch a video of the third movement here, and I’ve added audio to my Music page. Here are quick links to the audio files: I. Putto 4 over 4 | II. Lincoln | III. Armour Boys. Chris and I were interviewed by Bob Parzych on WRTC’s Kitchen Sink the day before the performance, as well—you can check that out here, if you’re interested.
I’m now officially on hiatus, for at least a few months, as my wife and I eagerly await the birth of our baby boy! Jude is due August 12, and Steel Symphony was dedicated to him. I sincerely can’t wait to show it to him someday.
L to R: John Rose, Director of Trinity College Chapel Music (and a great teacher and friend to Chris and I); Charles Dodsley Walker ’40, renowned organist and conductor; Christopher Houlihan ’09, a great friend and collaborator (and a true organ phenom); me (’07, for the record); and James F. Jones, Jr., the president of Trinity College and a hugely positive force in the musical life at Trinity.
There were close to 1,000 people in attendance.
The new console was made even more brilliant with some spiffy new lighting.
The line stretched well down the Upper Long Walk.
That’s me, cloaked in darkness, speaking with Jimmy Jones after the concert. He’s just a wonderful man, and a great advocate for many of us musical alums.
Standing ovation!