Seed

2026

The piece follows the life of a seed. It starts attached to the tree, knocking about in its pod. The leaves rustle, the seed comes loose, and it sails in the wind. When the seed lands on the soil, it realizes it is not alone, but in the company of a slimy worm and a stately beetle. Once all dangers have passed, the seed sprouts into a tree of its own, and the cycle begins again.

CLARINET SONATA

2025

This sonata was written for my father, a clarinetist, who considered putting away his clarinet for good a few years ago. I figured an unsolicited composition by one of his daughters might keep him playing a little longer, and I'm pleased to report that it worked.

The piece draws on influences from a childhood steeped in music: an early visit to the Nutcracker ballet, arms-straight-curls-bouncing Irish dance competitions, Wagner blaring from my father's convertible, classical piano lessons, endless rehearsals for musicals like Into the Woods, and a love of John Williams's film scores.

"QUEEN OF THE NORTH" STRING QUARTET

2024