Bay-Atlantic Symphony in the Studio
Canadian composer/pianist Lee Pui Ming wrote She Comes to Shore, a journey for piano and orchestra as a commission by Jed Gaylin and Hopkins Symphony Orchestra, in Baltimore with generous support from the Canada Arts Council. The work, which is a concerto for the composer as soloist/improviser, has been recorded with Jed Gaylin and Bay-Atlantic Symphony for release in December 2010 on the Innova Label and distributed by Naxos.
When Lee Pui Ming was in residence with the Bay-Atlantic Symphony in 2008 for the performance with of Awakening for Erhu (chinese folk violin) and Orchestra, Bay-Atlantic Symphony Music Director Jed Gaylin heard her improvise as part of the pre-concert lectures. He was so taken with her varied, powerful, and eloquent improvisation that he right then asked if Lee Pui Ming would want to write a concerto for herself to play--where the notes of the solo part are half-composed, half created anew at each performance.
Rowan University graciously provided Pfleeger Hall and their new 9-foot Steinway for the recording. John D.S. Adams, from Banff Canada, is producing the album of music exclusively by Lee Pui Ming. Long-time BAS recording studio Traveling Tracks was brought in and their owner and Chief Engineer, Brad Zabelski was Sound Engineer for the concerto. The work runs approximately 25 minutes.
"The work is a beautiful synthesis of control and freedom," reflects Jed Gaylin." That Lee Pui Ming was able to embark upon this very under-explored genre of partially improvised concerto with such ease, power, and beauty speaks to her intense creativity and honest artistry. At times stormy, at times still and shimmering, and at times profoundly passionate, the work somehow encounters these moods, modulated afresh each time by Lee Pui Ming's astonishingly beautiful improvisation, and brings them together with breathtaking grace, structure, and conviction."
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