Program Notes

sometimes I feel like I’m trapped in a glass box. sometimes, with all my might, I manage to shatter the enclosure, and even though the shards are plummeting onto my skin, I feel so relieved to be free—and then I slam into another glass wall like a pigeon into a skyscraper. You would never expect that glass could regrow, but it manages to, despite leaving all its scars in permanent ink.

sometimes, while I’m dreaming—or, actually, having a nightmare—I try to scream, but suddenly, there’s no air in my lungs. I open my mouth as wide as I can and try over, and over, and over, and the silence is deafening.

perennial glass is inspired by the cross section of these two experiences, when the days flow seamlessly in and out of the nightmares.

perennial glass was written for Hub New Music as a part of their residency at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. Thank you so much to the amazing community of composers that made this opportunity possible. I feel so lucky to share this piece.