Jazz Great Joe Lovano to Join Symphony for Local Premiere of Commissioned Piece
Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano will be joining forces with the Winston-Salem Symphony for the local premiere of a commissioned piece titled a raft, the sky, the wild sea. The composition, written by Douglas Cuomo, is a departure from his well-known Sex and the City theme, adopting a more contemplative and introspective tone. The symphony’s involvement in commissioning the work brings prestige and recognition to the local orchestra and community. The piece combines elements of jazz and classical music, creating a unique blend known as third stream. Lovano, known for his improvisational skills, will have the opportunity to engage in a musical conversation with the orchestra during the performance.
Commissioning new works is a vital part of supporting the growth of the art form, according to Michelle Merrill, the symphony’s music director. The Winston-Salem Symphony joins the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic as the co-commissioners of this groundbreaking composition. The premiere performances of a raft, the sky, the wild sea took place in late 2022 in Fort Worth and London, solidifying the Winston-Salem Symphony’s position among esteemed musical company.
The upcoming concert, titled Enchanted Waters, will feature this commissioned piece as the centerpiece, alongside Claude Debussy’s La Mer and Maurice Ravel’s La Valse. Cuomo’s inspiration for the composition came from the concept of a voyage, both in terms of emotional journeys and literal travels to find a better life. The music reflects a range of emotions, alternating between turbulent and calm sections. Lovano, whose own family has a history of immigration, resonates with the themes of the piece, considering it a tribute to the journeys of his grandparents.
Known for his collaborations with acclaimed jazz musicians, Lovano is excited to work with Cuomo and the orchestra to bring this composition to life. He will be improvising for approximately 80% of the performance, creating spontaneous moments of musical expression. Merrill will lead the orchestra, fostering a dialogue between Lovano’s saxophone and the ensemble. The local premiere in Winston-Salem promises to bring its own unique interpretation to the piece, making it an exciting and captivating experience for the audience.
The Winston-Salem Symphony concert, Enchanted Waters, featuring the local premiere of a raft, the sky, the wild sea, will take place on January 6 and 7, 2023, at the R.J. Reynolds Auditorium. This performance is an opportunity to witness the convergence of jazz and classical music and experience the power and beauty of this newly commissioned work.
