Recent:
Inspired by the O-1 (“Alien of Extraordinary Ability”) visa, Extraordinary Motion: Concerto for Electric Harp marks my third collaboration with Grammy Award-winning composer, D. J. Sparr. Commissioned by Symphony New Hampshire, Extraordinary Motion features harpist Rosanna Moore. World Premiere: April 20, 2024.
Previous Projects:
Image © Houston Grand Opera
WHAT WINGS THEY WERE: THE CASE OF EMELINE
Based on a true Houston story from the 1840s, What Wings They Were: The Case of Emeline tells the story of Emeline, a young African American woman who sued the man who enslaved her and her two children and won the case—thus securing their freedom. Peter Gray, the young lawyer who represented Emeline, went on to found what is now known as the Baker Botts law firm.
Original libretto commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera/ HGOco. Composed by John L. Cornelius II and directed by Eileen Morris. Featuring soprano Gwendolyn Alfred, bass-baritone Christopher Besch, and tenor Brian Yeakley. Premiered April 2016.
PRESS
Image © Houston Grand Opera; Photo © Lou Vest, Houston Pilots Association
"On This Muddy Water": Voices from the Houston Ship Channel
Commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera in celebration of the Ship Channel’s centennial, this original song cycle offers compelling insights into the people at the heart of one of Houston’s most vibrant centers of industry. The text is based on interviews collected through the Working the Port project conducted by the Folklife and Traditional Arts Program of the Houston Arts Alliance.
Music composed by D. J. Sparr. Featuring Lauren Pastorek, mezzo-soprano, and Heath Martin, baritone. Premiered in December 2014.
Image © Pattima Singhalaka/Houston Grand Opera
From My Mother's Mother
A hot bowl of seaweed soup—also known as birthday soup—is traditionally prepared for new Korean mothers for twenty-one days to aid in their recovery. From My Mother's Mother follows the passing down and rejection of this tradition through four generations of Korean-American women.
Original libretto commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera for the “Song of Houston: East + West” series. Music composed by Jeeyoung Kim and directed by E. Loren Meeker. Premiered in November 2012.