After the Freeze (v.3): full orchestra, drum-set, optional electric bass.

The original version of After the Freeze was written after the historic Winter Uri freeze that hit the southern U.S. in February of 2021. As we entered yet another level of isolation amidst freezing temperatures and rolling blackouts during the pre-vaccine era of the COVID-19 pandemic, I created a backing track with synthesizers and electronic percussion, over which I invited eight colleagues to freely improvise without hearing what any other musician was contributing. I curated their responses, added electronics, and edited the videos of each “ensemble” member performing into what was essentially an installation.

The 2nd version was for string orchestra, tabla, sitar, drum-set, electric bass, and Carnatic singer was commissioned by Ryan Ross and the Allen Philharmonic. In the 2nd version, I was able to more directly bridge the orchestra with the worlds of funk, pop, and rock music (with a hint of jazz) that I grew up listening to.

In this 3rd version for full orchestra, drum-set, and (optional) electric bass, these connections between genres (and my musical identities) are fully crystallized.

Selected for American Composer’s Orchestra Earshot 2024.

Perusal score available here.