World Premiere of 'Journey to Aconcagua' by the Doral Academy Orchestra
Journey to Aconcagua is available now for performance. See the CONCERT WORKS and click on the image for Journey to Aconcagua for details how to purchase a copy for your string orchestra.
Back in 2019, I was commissioned by Mr. Edward Ercilla, the conductor of the Doral Academy Orchestra, to compose an original string orchestra work to celebrate their acceptance to perform at Carnegie Hall for their Spring concert. The concert was scheduled for March 2020 in New York City, ground zero for the pandemic.
Mr. Ercilla commissioned me to write a work that incorporated unique Latin rhythms (in this case, the Tango was a perfect candidate), piano, and percussion into the piece. With that information, I jumped right into creating some interesting and unique rhythms that would be fun to play. As an added treat since I was having a blast composing the piece, I included the following special effects into the commission as well: the chicharra (a sound which imitates the sound of crickets) and the látigo (a sound which imitates the sound of a gaucho’s whip).
The work explores the magnificence and mystery of South America’s highest summit which stands at a towering 22,838 feet. Aconcagua is the second highest peak in the world and is located in the Andes mountain range, in the province of Mendoza, Argentina.
The origin of the name comes from the indigenous Quechua language and is as mysterious as it is contested -- in various dialects, the name has come to mean “comes from the other side”, “‘Sentinel of Stone”, “White Sentinel”, or the “White Ravine.”
A climb to the top of the summit is a harrowing task and has proven to be impossible for those who have tried. The ancient Incas were said to have climbed very high on the mountain without being able to make it to the summit. In 1985, an Incan mummy was found at 17,400 feet on the second ridge of Aconcagua. In 1947, the skeleton of a guanaco (a native animal of the area) was found along the ridge connecting the North Summit with the South Summit, but it is doubtful a guanaco would climb that high on its own. Did someone make it to the top riding the guanaco? There were no human remains found nearby. Although modern equipment and technology has allowed many to now reach the summit with awe and pride; the ridges, crags, and ravines of Aconcagua are filled with a history of wonder, failure, and pure enigma.
Although the Carnegie Hall performance did not happen because of the pandemic, the Doral Academy Orchestra was able to premiere the piece a week ago and they did a fantastic job!
Listen to the World Premiere of Journey to Aconcagua below:
Bravi to all the wonderful students who played with such passion!
Journey to Aconcagua is available now for performance. See the CONCERT WORKS and click on the image for Journey to Aconcagua for details how to purchase a copy for your string orchestra.