by Mike Telin
Although the Contemporary Youth Orchestra has seemingly commissioned a countless number of works during its 29 year history, perhaps none have centered around a more poignant topic than Dr. Dana Hall’s (left) When Still. The four-movement work challenges the young musicians and the audience to address issues surrounding gun violence in communities across the United States.
On Friday, May 17 at 7:00 pm at Tri-C Metro Auditorium the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Kristopher Morron will present the premiere of Hall’s new work. Inspired by saxophonist and composer Chris Coles’ Nine Lives Project, which recounts the story of the nine souls who lost their lives in the 2015 shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Hall’s new work also reflects on the ten individuals lost in a Buffalo, NY grocery store shooting. Tickets are available online.