Portrait Overture

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2, Flute 3, Piccolo, Oboe 1, Oboe 2, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bassoon 1, Bassoon 2, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Horn in F 3, Horn in F 4, Trumpet in C 1, Trumpet in C 2, Trumpet in C 3, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Tuba, Percussion, Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Double Bass — "If you write it, Adolphus, we will play it." Those were the words spoken to me by my high school orchestra teacher, Gertrude Howarth at the Albany High School in Albany, New York in 1958. Gertrude may have grown up dreaming of being a symphony conductor, but in those days it was prohibited for a woman. But, as a high school conductor she touched many lives and encouraged my dream journey of being a classical composer.Many years later I met JoAnn Falletta who had refused to accept the "no women allowed" glass ceiling of the orchestral establishment. When I met her, JoAnn was in the midst of a legendary career that has resulted in more than a hundred recordings, grammy awards, prestigious conducting opportunities, and international acclaim.This piece is a tribute to JoAnn Falletta. Oh, by the way, just say her name and you will be reciting the principle motive of the composition.

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