Commissions

Past and present Commissions

  • RESOLVED

    For Mezzo-Soprano and Piano; duration: ~18:00 Premiered on Livestream Broadcast, hosted by National Constitution Center August 26, 2020 Performers: J’Nai Bridges, mezzo-soprano; Laura Ward, piano “… the story of women’s suffrage in the words of those who dreamed it, fought for it, and lived it.”                                         – Composer Patrice Michaels Introduction 1848 — E. Cady Stanton…

  • Hold my hands, lover

    For soprano and piano; duration: 4:10 Premiered on “Dear March – Come in – American Women Poets in Song” March 28 and 30, 2014; at Bryn Mawr College and The Academy of Vocal Arts Performers: Kiera Duffy, soprano, and Laura Ward, piano Commissioned by Lyric Fest

  • To Kiss the Earth

    For baritone, string quartet, and reader; duration: 20:00 Premiered on “To Kiss the Earth – potter, poet, and guide” November 12  and 13, 2011; at Philadelphia University and The Academy of Vocal Arts 1. If I could kiss the earth 2. In the cafe 3. Life is strange 4. Still Freezing 5. Prayer 6. Day…

  • The Raven

    For soprano, mezzo soprano, countertenor, tenor, baritone, string quartet, and piano; duration: 27:00 Premiered on “The Raven – A Poe Fest” November 7 and 8, 2015; at Dumbarton Concerts, Washington, D.C., and The Academy of Vocal Arts Performers: Emily Noël, soprano, Suzanne DuPlantis, mezzo soprano, Roger Isaacs, countertenor, James Reese, tenor, Steven Combs, baritone, June…

  • The Aim Was Song

    For 3 sopranos, 2 mezzo sopranos, tenor, baritone, treble choir, french horn, and piano; duration: 12:00 Premiered on “Old City – New Song – Philadelphia Composers” April 12 and 13, 2008; at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia Performers: Jennifer Aylmer, soprano, Randi Marrazzo, soprano, Sally Wolf, soprano,…

  • Going Home

    Arrangement for 2 sopranos, mezzo soprano, tenor, 2 baritones, and piano; duration: 5:00 Premiered on “Home and the Immigrant Soul” October 15, 2006; at The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia Performers: Rebecca Carr, soprano, Randi Marrazzo, soprano, Suzanne DuPlantis, mezzo soprano, Bryan Hymel, tenor, Philip Frohnmayer, baritone, Jonathan Beyer, baritone, and Laura Ward, piano Commissioned…

  • There is no great and no Small

    For mezzo soprano and piano; duration: 3:00 Premiered on “I Hear America Singing” October 8 and 9, 2016; at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and The Academy of Vocal Arts Performers: Suzanne DuPlantis, mezzo soprano, and Laura Ward, piano Commissioned by Lyric Fest, Sponsored by Suzanne DuPlantis in honor of, and with loving gratitude…

  • In This Blue Room

    For mezzo soprano, baritone, and piano; duration: 45:00 Premiered on “Waxing Poetic” March 13 and 15, 2015; at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill and The Academy of Vocal Arts Performers: Suzanne DuPlantis, mezzo soprano, Daniel Teadt, baritone, and Laura Ward, piano Commissioned by Lyric Fest, Sponsored by The 2014-2015 American Composers Forum Subito Grant…

  • The Heavens Declare

    For soprano, mezzo soprano, baritone, choir, and piano with audience participation; duration: 4:30 Premiered on “I’ll Make Me a World” April 19, 2015; at The Church of the Holy Trinity Performers: Elizabeth Weigle, soprano, Chrystal E. Williams, mezzo soprano, Randall Scarlata, baritone, Laura Ward, piano, Singing City, Jeffrey Brillhart, conductor, Bryan Anderson, piano,  and scored…