Neither Separated, Nor Undone (2022) by Derrick Skye - Cantori commission

Los Angeles-based composer Derrick Skye has long been fascinated by the musical traditions of cultures around the world - his formal studies have included everything from West African music and dance to Persian music theory to Hindustani classical music. A person of diverse heritage himself, with Ghanaian, Nigerian, British, Irish, and Native American ancestry, Skye has cultivated a unique musical aesthetic incorporating a wide range of cultural influences.
Featuring a libretto of his own writing, NEITHER SEPARATED, NOR UNDONE explores the complex, shifting and sometimes contradictory worldviews humans may hold throughout their lives. While thematically complex, the piece is infused throughout with warmth and joy, often veering into exuberance: a refreshing musical expression of optimism for the human condition.
-Notes by Chelsea Harvey
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This world premiere was performed on November 13, 2022, as part of Cantori New York's fall concert series at Church of the Holy Apostles, 296 9th Ave, New York, NY.
Featuring: Every Voice Concert Choir
Nicole Becker, Director
Sydney McNabb & Sam Wise, Graduate Interns
www.everyvoice...
Violin I: Doori Na, Christine Wu
Violin II: Phoenix Avalon, Coco Mi
Viola: Hannah Burnett, Maurycy Banaszek
Cello: Audrey Chen, Sebastian Stoger
Flute: Laura Jordan-Cocks
Bass: Patrick Duff
Percussion: Karl Ronnenburg
Audio: Swan Studios NYC / Andreas Meyer
Video: Jacob McCoy / Richard Berg
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"NEITHER SEPARATED, NOR UNDONE"
Resonating with the warmth of sun rays
the cool air of winter, neither undone
Complex, our sensations,
ideas juxtaposition
rain and sunshine quickly spun
neither to be separated, nor undone
deep within a moment
a common recognition,
many opposing beliefs
at home in one opinion
comfortable and complex
a common human condition
so common in one
afford to all
no monolithic wall
deliverance
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Cantori New York is an acclaimed chamber chorus specializing in new & neglected music.
cantorinewyork...
Mark Shapiro, Artistic Director
This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the NY State Legislature.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

[@ronmann802]

this is one of the most beautiful, delightfully complex, interesting without being pedantic, pieces of classical music I have heard in a long time. There're no clichés here. This is a gift to modern classical music. Thank you so much Mr. Skye. And what a tastefully executed performance by the musicians and the conductor. I'm floored.