C:T talks to composer Arlene Sierra whose forthcoming commissions include a new piece for the New York Philharmonic and a piano concerto for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Arlene Sierra
Colmena by Arlene Sierra
Ballistae by Arlene Sierra
Truel by Arlene Sierra
Tell us something about your background.
I was born in Miami to a family of displaced New Yorkers - my parents were lovers of classical music, opera, dance and modern art (my mother is a painter) so we went to concerts and galleries regularly, in both Miami and NYC, when I was a kid. Finally we got back to New York full time when I was a teenager, so I've been going home to the city ever since. As a doctoral student I lived in Berlin for two years and I've lived in London since 1999. After a year of teaching at Cambridge, I was appointed Lecturer in Music Composition at Cardiff University in 2004.
How did you start composing?
I had piano lessons from age 5 and loved playing standard classical repertoire (Bach through to Ravel and Gershwin), but didn't hear music by living composers until I got to Oberlin College. I chose Oberlin because it had a liberal arts curriculum and a conservatory of music, but I wasn't sure how to make it all fit together at that stage. I'd been playing around with synthesizers in high school so was drawn to the conservatory's electronic music program - this got me started making pieces with tape and samplers, synths, algorithmic composition software, and eventually incorporating classical instruments. Once I started working with performing musicians who could interpret and convey my ideas, I knew I'd found what I wanted to do. I went to Yale for an M.Mus in Composition, but the whole enterprise of writing music to score was still pretty new to me then - I had to pick it up pretty quickly to survive grad school! Being around a lot of young professional composers helped to get me up to speed, and it was tremendously inspiring when Ligeti and Berio visited Yale in my first year. Working with Betsy Jolas and Dominique Troncin at the American Conservatory of Fontainebleau was also a formative experience.
What drives your work, what are you passions?
Drama, momentum, transition, color - often determined by mechanisms of conflict, competition, and strategy. Plotting the way instruments and players relate to each other is a big part of how I compose. A lifelong interest in dance influences the sense of movement in my work, and compositional beginnings in electronics inform some of the layering and shifts in density. I'm after something compelling and physical in music, something that develops according to its own inner logic.
Being married to a colleague and contemporary (English composer Ken Hesketh) has driven my work as well. Having arrived at a shared passion from completely different backgrounds and experiences has made for an interesting (and interminable!) dialogue.
Tell us something about your working method as a composer. Give us something that might be or might have been a starting point for a piece.
As a composer there's always more to learn, to expand one's thinking. I've been reading about natural selection and evolutionary processes interpreted through game theory, concepts that readily suggest compositional material and musical relationships for my pieces. For the work Colmena (2008), the nature of beehives got me thinking of musical ramifications because bee societies depend on a delicate balance of outgoing and less enterprising individuals. Incorporating subtle, hidden changes in individual parts could bring about the transformation of the whole ensemble - this determined many of the dynamic shifts in Colmena. The idea of a mass of insects hibernating, as beehives do each year, inspired the music of the last section of the piece in particular - I liked the idea of a kind of buzzing repose.
Which non-musical influences have affected your music most?
Having grown up with visual art, I appreciate how artists make series of works that share a conceptual as well as aesthetic connection over a period of time. This also seems to work for my compositions: A new series of pieces based on evolution and game theory includes two completed works so far, while my recent Art of War series (from the military strategy of Sun Tzu) includes more than half a dozen pieces written since 2000. Component works in a series can range from solo to orchestral forces, but they tend to share certain formal, motivic and pitch materials from piece to piece.
What is your musical philosophy?
Write what you want to hear (corollary: don't bother second-guessing what anyone else wants to hear!)
Who has been the greatest influence on your musical style to date and why?
I most admire composers who have done their own thing and stuck with it regardless of the polemics of their day: Ives, Crumb, Carter, Birtwistle, Messiaen, Dutilleux, Berio and Varese are just a few examples. There's a certain bloody-mindedness (to use a handy British phrase!) necessary for making true, lasting work - I admire art in any form that has that.
What's the strangest idea for a piece you've ever had?
Ballistae (2000) for chamber ensemble was probably the first of my battle pieces, based on the process of building a ballista (a kind of catapult with a mechanism like a crossbow.) These machines had strings that were tuned to determined the right force for hurling rocks, so I had a good laugh thinking of my ensemble as a machine tuning up to hurl the piano across the hall (this also seemed to motivate the players...)
The three-way duel of my trio Truel (2004) requires the piano to make a lot of seeming mistakes. Its role as the worst shot in a competition for accuracy actually helps it to win in the end (in contrast to my childhood experiences in piano competitions...)
Which work are you most proud of and why?
Game of Attrition, a New York Philharmonic commission for chamber orchestra, is being premiered in December 2009. I guess I'm proud (well, maybe more relieved) that I was able to stop in the middle of writing a piano concerto to write this chamber orchestra piece to deadline, and then take up the concerto again right afterwards. Scheduling didn't give me much choice in the matter, but it was exciting to change gears in the nick of time like that. The piano concerto Art of War will be premiered by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Huw Watkins piano, Baldur Brönnimann conducting, at the Vale of Glamorgan Festival in September 2010.
What does the future hold for you?
A lot of firsts -- world premieres of my first piece for chamber orchestra and first piano concerto, and I'm soon to write a first string quartet and a first opera. A first portrait CD, with the International Chamber Ensemble, soprano Susan Narucki, and Jayce Ogren conducting, will be released by Bridge Records in 2010.
Please list anywhere online where your work can be experienced
Hearing Things; Claire Booth (soprano), Andrew Matthews-Owen (piano), University of Hull, 27 November 2009; Cardiff University, 1 December 2009; Town Hall, Cheltenham, 7 December 2009
Game of Attrition (NYPO commission); **New York Philharmonic, conducted by Magnus Lindberg, Symphony Space, NYC, 17 December 2009; Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, 19 December 2009
Cicada Shell; Collage New Music, conducted by David Hoose, Longy School of Music, Boston MA, 8 February 2010
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. dog treats with CBD
Whoa! Precisely what a close look opener this specific article have been to me. A lot loved, added, My spouse and i can’t loose time waiting for additional! face mask
With thanks just for offer a very awesome page! I stubled onto a web site ideal for great really needs. Its content has delightful and additionally important reports. Preserve acknowledge that there are succeed! walmartone.com
Ertisun is a irish handmade jewellery brand with a passion for unique and delicate designs. Buy handmade designer jewellery online in Ireland. Please visit our site for more details, Thank You. irish handmade jewellery
Find amazing discord servers for your interest, such as Roleplay, Gaming, Fortnite, Dating etc Explore amazing and useful resources, Visit our website for more information, Thank You.
Intricate detailed eyebrow embroidery. Free eyebrow trimming services, Hair removal Bedok service and best anti-aging facial treatments with professional brands Experienced qualified beauticians, painless acne extractions, black heads and skin tag removal. Affordable Acne and acne scar treatment,Please visit our site to contact us, Thank You. Hair removal Bedok
amazon slots is under Jumpman Gaming Limited‘s operation, which is holding the license from the Malta United Kingdom. Amazon Slots has many sister sites like Crystal slots, Slot Machine, Volcano Bingo, Charming Bingo, Aladdin Slots, My stars Bingo, Onpoint Bingo, Spy slots, Olive Casino, express wins, Late Casino, Slots Game club, Pretty wins, The Bingo Boutique, Cheeky Casino, and many more. amazon slots
GIRGBE offers a wide collection of aesthetic clothing, grunge aesthetic outfits, soft girl outfits, e girl outfits, y2k aesthetic outfits and more at an affordable price FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE, Visit our site to get amazing deals.Thank You.
STILL MELLO – DC Weed & Street Art Gallery, Check out our Digital Street Art Gallery!!!Gifting Available From 10a-8p EVERY DAY #914.491.9973, THE FINEST EXOTICS IN D.C. FAST & EASY ONLINE ORDER PROCESS. site
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 08:58 on 08 September 2021
En Pet Shop Chicureo dedicamos nuestro tiempo completo para dar a tu perro y amado peludo todo lo que requiere a los mejores Pet Shop Chicureo: Tienda para mascotas online de referencia para los que quieren de verdad. Todas las categorias. comida para perros
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 13:31 on 08 September 2021
Hindiyojana.in is a dedicated portal to share detailed information regarding various government schemes. We cover central govt's and state wise schemes. Be advised that this is not official website of any scheme and is not linked with any Indian govt's ministry. Govt. Schemes List
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 03:57 on 09 September 2021
Have you been looking for a professional and cheap legit online shop who does worldwide shipping of Herbal Incense ? Or k2 spice online for sale? Liquid Incense for sale online by synthetic incense online store. visit this anchor text to a legit supplier of Herbal incense in USA where you can buy k2 spice for sale online
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 21:43 on 14 September 2021
LIFESMART 510”PRECISION WOOD PELLET GRILL MOST ACCURATE DIGITAL TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER, 15 LB HOPPER, TEMPERATURE RANGE 180 TO 500 DEGREES, COOKING TIME UP TO 15 HOURS, INLCUDES 4 WHEEL CART - This Lifesmart versatile, portable, real cast-iron propane griddle allows you to create all your favorite meals on the go. With the Lifesmart Reversible Griddle, you can quickly sear a steak, grill a hot dog and hamburger on the cast iron grill mark side. Makelifeeasy, Please visit our website for more information, Thank You.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 17:25 on 15 September 2021
Best Baby Jogging Stroller Reviews, Top Picks and Buying Guides, At Baby Jogging Stroller, You ll Get the Jogging Stroller Infomation as Best, Top Picks, Buying Guide, Stroller Reviews and Buying Guide, Please visit our website for more information, Thank You. site
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 16:57 on 16 September 2021
Innerfyre Co | Candles, Hush candles, Essential Oils, and Scents - Essential Oil Candles That Inspire Joy, Visit our website & View our best-selling scented candle singapore , essential oil roll-ons, and room sprays and pillow mists.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 19:35 on 18 September 2021
Le correcteur de posture redresse dos avec ceinture lombaire est l'outil parfait pour soulager vos douleurs dorsales et lombaires.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 12:29 on 19 September 2021
Best new 2022 weight loss ideas for women, Please visit this informative article, You will also discover the weight loss pill that has 2 special formulas one that burns your fat away in the day and the other that burns your fat as you sleep. 5 Remarkable Weight Loss Pills For Women You Have Probably Never Heard Of. 2022 weight loss ideas
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 17:06 on 21 September 2021
Best ERISA nevada - Law Office of Julie Mersch,Our law firm specializes in all matters of ERISA Law, Personal Injury Law, and Insurance Law. Visit our website and find out how we can fight for you. Thank You.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 13:33 on 22 September 2021
Fig Leaf offers a wide variety of services, Uniforms Manufacturing & Supply, Bespoke Tailoring , Sportswear of all kinds, Computerized Embroidery, Screen Printing & Sublimation, Spun & Polyester Threads , Rucksack, Tote & School Bags, We are upfront about costs and transparent in every element of our business to serve you better.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 17:23 on 25 September 2021
Elevate your productivity with our Software. software de control de documentos (Document management software), Control all the processes of your company, with QUALITYWEB 360 you will have everything in one place with instant analysis, which will allow you to increase the productivity of your company at any time and in any place.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 13:03 on 04 October 2021
Get the best advice from a real estate attorney chicago, The Chicagoland lawyer by Abdilla and Associates. What Can a Chicago Real Estate Attorney Do For You? Visit his site for more info & Set Up a Free Consultation Today! real estate attorney chicago
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 20:48 on 04 October 2021
Best Air Purifiers in India, It is important to check ratings like ACH (Air Changes Per Hour) and CADR (Clean Air Delivery Rate) for the air purifier. Check revexpo for more info for Buyers Guide of Air Purifiers. revexpo is one of the True best reviews website in India provides genuine reviews from online buyers their experience
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 18:08 on 10 October 2021
BodyConnect Healing - Allergies, Weight Loss Treatment, What Can BodyConnect Healing Help You With? BodyConnect is a comprehensive that connects the physical, mental, emotional and energetic elements. Please visit our site for more detailes or knowing about allergy kits.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 16:56 on 14 October 2021
Want To Buy Diamond Rings? Visit our website DIAMOND PRICE|GIA 、IGI 、AGSSEARCH ,For more information click to the anchor text 結婚戒指
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 20:14 on 14 October 2021
Hey, Find a personal trainer near you with UKFitness Pro, the nation’s largest database of personal trainers!find a trainer in UK by just visiting thisw website Just enter your location into the search box above, hit search, then message one of the qualified personal trainers near you.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 20:22 on 15 October 2021
DiscordHome is a discord listing website, find discord servers and communities here! You can advertise, hire, post resumes and find partners for your discord server. Nsfw discord - Visit our site for more information, Thank You. discord servers
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 22:38 on 15 October 2021
Kama Delivery Catering 到會 Service 香港餐飲服務 based in Hong Kong, provide global dishes & Takeway services 外賣服務 & promotions with high-quality ingredients and providing a variety of cuisines such as salads, snacks, vegan food and main dishes. Apart from à la carte food, they also provide party food delivery for christmas meal 圣诞大餐 wedding event, kids birthday party catering 生日派對餐飲 etc. They also accept large-scale catering services for large and small birthday parties, banquets, company events, friend gatherings or children's birthday parties, Kama is one of the leading catering service in Hong Kong 到會
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 12:12 on 17 October 2021
Get Your Mobile Phone Repaired by Certified Professionals, Authorized mobile repair service center Axiom mobile Care, Get Your device repaired by cerified Professionals. Stay home & Stay safe, Your safety is our priority, Get fix my phone service without moving you out. Please visit our [url=htts://www.axiomcare.com]mobile repair shop[/url] website for more info & details.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 14:32 on 17 October 2021
Gurl Cases is all about the unique. We offer a variety of aesthetic phone cases and cute phone cases, designed to add some personality to your phone. Protect your phone in style with a Gurl Case, Please visit our website to get upto 50% off & other exclusive offers, Don't miss it. aesthetic phone cases
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 17:10 on 17 October 2021
Experienced las vegas ERISA attorney , At the Law Office of Julie A. Mersch, nevada long term disability lawyer in Las Vegas, we have the skill and experience to assert your employee benefits rights effectively under ERISA nevada. Our founding attorney, Julie A. Mersch, has more than a quarter-century of experience in insurance and employment law. This includes many years of successfully handling ERISA cases for clients in the Las Vegas area and throughout Nevada.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 19:40 on 17 October 2021
Professional House Decorating Ideas Decorative Materials Company, I Decor Exp Imp Co , Ltd was established on January 2010 the import and export window of T Y Group , engage in the sales and marketing. please visite our website for buy decorative melamine paper and information about i-decors.co
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 19:18 on 18 October 2021
Jennifer Jones Fathom Realty | 937-516-7552 | Real Estate Agent, Central Ohio Realty offers information for New Construction Home, Buying, and Selling Search for New Home Build, Prelisting & properties in the Columbus, Ohio area, Please viasit website for more information, Thank You.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 07:55 on 19 October 2021
Prima Cartoonizer Online and Desktop Software PC v4.2.6, Cartoonize yourself with Prima cartoonizer software, the best photo to cartoon tool since 2015 You can cartoon yourself online in a few clicks, with amazing cartoon effects Prima is now available as a desktop software for windows with offline conversion.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 19:06 on 19 October 2021
Dr James glutathione injection 1500mg Skin Whitening Injection IV is not only the highest quality of Reduced Glutathione but also has the highest strength of the skin whitening formula available on the market, Click on the anchor to visit the carPage for more information, Thank You.
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 13:44 on 21 October 2021
WinSlot : Slot Online Uang Asli Populer Terpercaya, Agen Judi Slot Online Uang Asli, WinSlot merupakan situs judi online dengan winrate tinggi yang menyediakan permainan judi slot online uang asli paling populer di Indonesia.
Thank you so much as you have been willing to share information with us. We will forever admire all you have done here because you have made my work as easy as ABC. [url=htts://zoothereum.com/]Nft gaming[/url]
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work fusible links for fire dampers
Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. ゴルフボールケース
I am young spirited woman with an incredible body, soft skin and nice figure giving your best expertise what you ever will get. Bangalore Call Girls service
This is a review of the Toto site introduced by Tochamps. If you have any questions, please log in and check it out! If there is something wrong. 안전놀이터
Ce cours s'adresse à toute personne qui souhaite apprendre comment devenir auto-entrepreneur en France. Que vous soyez débutant ou que vous soyez indépendant depuis des années, chacun peut trouver un intérêt dans ce cours ! devenir auto entrepreneur
printer toner online MVP Ink & Office is a one-stop online shop that provides the best Canadian-made print products. We provide printer inks, toner cartridges, ... http://mvpinkandoffice.com/
This flexible format makes it easy for busy adults to get started in interior design, without having to sacrifice their work or family commitments. interior decorator certification
Each time when i evolved into with your web page while using unique focus simply a little little bit submits. Eye-catching technique for years to come, We will be book-marking presently include products obtain arises suitable in place. e rig
For this reason it's prudent that you can acceptable homework leading up to publishing. You may establish better print in this manner. office furniture dubai
Each component of the system works together to keep your home safe from the elements. It's critical to understand how each layer of your roof protects your property. architects and interior designers
Each component of the system works together to keep your home safe from the elements. It's critical to understand how each layer of your roof protects your property. architects and interior designers
Each component of the system works together to keep your home safe from the elements. It's critical to understand how each layer of your roof protects your property. architects and interior designers
Each component of the system works together to keep your home safe from the elements. It's critical to understand how each layer of your roof protects your property. architects and interior designers
Just wanna input on few general things, The website design is perfect, the articles is very great : D. [url=https://theinsightrankers.com/]theinsightrankers.com[/url]
Buy Sauce Bar from our website as we have top quality and our prices are the best in the market. We have other vape carts available too. sauce bar disposable
All you need to do is provide us with the necessary information and we will take care of the rest. Our team of experts will help you get your registered passport as quickly as possible. real diploma for sale
Joker888 online slot website has collected many Joker gaming slot games. joker123
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 06:43 on 05 September 2022
I am impressed with this internet site , real I am a big fan . CHECK ME OUT BY CLICKING MY NAME!!! alongnovember.com
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 09:10 on 29 September 2022
KEIF Restaurant, Dubai: See 65 unbiased reviews of KEIF Restaurant, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #1,901 of 13,110 restaurants in DubaiKEIF RESTAURANT, Dubai - Business Bay - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor Lebanese restaurant in dubai
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 08:54 on 01 October 2022
Medical zeolite medical device is constantly checked for quality and purity by an independent certification body. Effectiveness of a medical device ... Vita pure cena
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 15:10 on 01 October 2022
bed sheets that are made of flannel fabric are the best type of bed sheets- skup aut Łobez
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 12:26 on 07 November 2023
Fantastic submit, Many thanks regarding revealing This kind of information. Fantasticly composed write-up, only if almost all people supplied the identical amount of articles when you, the net would have been a greater spot. You should keep writing! 輪盤遊戲技巧
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 14:53 on 18 November 2023
the country's quite terrific web page. the country's realy info along with a very wonderful activity. i need this approach. breeze vape
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 09:06 on 20 November 2023
I just astounded aided by the test most people made to choose this specified share wonderful. Marvelous recreation! ALOHA4D
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 12:38 on 19 December 2023
Elevate your property with Diversified Services, your trusted roofing partner since 1988. Our commitment to hard work and integrity shines in every installation and repair job, whether it's a flat commercial roof or a residential shingled one. Trust us for top-tier roofing solutions. Call us today! roof repair
Posted by :
jamseales0 at 10:41 on 28 December 2023
It is a fantastic write-up, Thank you regarding offering myself these records. Retain submitting. Vegas7Games Free Credits
To post comments you need to become a member. If you are already a member, please log in .