The 47th convention of the International Double Reed Society ( IDRS ) is held from August 28th to September 1, 2018 in Granada, Spain. Two compositions by Jenni Brandon are performed during the convention. The first is “Colored Stones” (2014) performed by Keith Sweger, Bassoon. The second is new American music for Santiago De Compostela featuring Jenni’s new work “Compostela” (2017) commissioned and performed by Eric Van der Veer Varner, Bassoon.
Colored Stones tells the story of three stones: smoky quartz, lapis lazuli, and tiger’s eye. Some cultures and spiritual practices believe these stones have powerful qualities such as the ability to heal, protect, and offer spiritual guidance. The bassoon explores these beautiful stones’ unique qualities. This piece was the winner of the 2014 Bassoon Chamber Music Composition Competition. To be performed Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 12:15 PM.
Compostela was commissioned by Eric Varner work tells the story of the pilgrimage along The Camino Francés. It is the most popular of the pilgrimage routes through Spain that lead to Santiago de Compostela, or the church where the bones of St. James the Apostle are said to be buried. As we travel along this path, the bassoon narrates what we may see and hear, how we may feel, and what we discover about ourselves as we take this personal journey. In one movement, this work has several sections that highlight the journey along the way. This will be the world premiere of this work. To be premiered Friday, August 31, 2018 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.
