Instrumentation: 2 Oboes, 3 Bassoons

Duration: 9’

Premiere:

Puerto Rico Double Reed Day Guest Ensemble—Dr. Rong-Huey Liu, Dr. Rachel Frederiksen, Dr. Javier Rodriguez, and Professors Cesar Torres and Jesus Ramos; February 20th 2025—Escuela Libre de Musica Juan Morel Campos de Ponce, Puerto Rico. Read more about the premiere here.

Program notes

Commissioned for the 2025 Puerto Rico Double Reed Day, I wanted to write something that captured the energy of the place. Though I’ve never been, I feel I know something of it: to a person, the Boricuas I’ve met and befriended are fiercely proud of where they come from, singing the praises of the water, the beach, the sun, dancing, food, and the people. Told through my own musical language, I tried to express this proud energy and love of place while acknowledging the island has been through challenging times; though there is no joy in suffering (especially when unnecessary) these trials have showcased the power of community and resilience in PR.