Patrice Rushen - The Symphonic Works

One of my dreams has always been to compose for orchestra. The richness and multi colors of the orchestra’s sound has always been attractive to me.

A dear friend and colleague Dr. Bill Banfield, encouraged me to continue to develop this and other parts of my “musical voice and expression “ and to keep writing in this medium . In 1999 I composed my first symphony, SINFONIA . I just wanted to experiment with using every part of the orchestra. Up to that point, most of the ensembles I’d written for were smaller. I enjoyed that challenge and learned a lot, but I never thought I’d have the chance to work with a large orchestra ... but it was my goal then.

Since that time, I have had the blessing of being commissioned to write a few pieces, showcasing my compositions in the context of the Symphonic stage!!!

I still have much to learn about this “instrument “, the orchestra, as the sounds and possibilities are as intriguing to me as ever. I wish to be as creative as possible with this wonderful “box of colors” to express the many sides of my musical interests. This too, is part of my journey .It celebrates the love I have for what some would classify as “classical” music ...and for me , it’s part of a large bouquet of flowers which can be arranged in any number of ways.

These pieces are sonic landscapes with peaks and valleys , turns and twists and full of emotion. I intend to do more composing for orchestra as well as chamber groups and soloists for the concert stage, recital halls, etc.

The experimenting calls me to keep going, keep writing .... moving gradually towards revealing yet another way to use my “voice”.

I hope you enjoy these pieces .

Patrice

In fall of 2024, the Juilliard Pre College Orchestra and Interlochen School of Performing Arts. joined forces and commissioned me to compose an orchestral work for them.

A young sculptor named Lauren Halsey, created an art installation in which I was depicted. The installation was called, “Keepers Of The Krown”.It was erected in Venice, Italy in March 2024. Lauren had shared with me during a conversation in 2023, that I was the first artist that her parents took her to hear in concert, and she wanted my likeness to be part of this project.

Lauren’s amazing work, became the inspiration for this composition. The idea that my art,inspired hers, and then hers inspired mine, speaks to the power of art and artistic expression.This is an example of how art begets art.

The first movement, “Inspired By Six” introduces the six faces depicted in the installation and offers a musical character to each.

The second movement, “Artful Providence offers the idea of the realization that creative impulses can lead to something. That “something “is quite often not totally defined, and yet, one is compelled to follow the idea. It’s an observance of the mystical aspects of creativity. It is to be protected as one of the definitions of providence is. timely preparation for future eventualities.

The third movement, “Audacious Revelation” is about the reflection and commitment to the message in the work. While the composer may have a sense of clarity about how the music speaks, there is also room for the ways in which the music communicates to the listener.

It is my hope that Keepers Of The Krown captures the majesty, and the spirit of how artistic disciplines intersect and inform. I hope it is exciting to perform and to listen to . Among the lessons for the musicians of this talented orchestra, will be a certain “connection”. As they interpret the notes, they become a part of a “lived experience” of this composer. May the experience of premiering this piece be a reminder to them, that all the music they have played, or will ever play, involves a lived experience of its writer.

Patrice Rushen -composer

KEEPERS OF THE KROWN