Sondra Clark**

Sondra Clark writes: “Since my last inclusion in the SAI Composers Update, I’ve learned how it feels to be a ‘full-time’ composer. A commission to write an extended work for the opening of a new concert hall in the recently completed Finn Center for Music and Arts Education in Mountain View, CA, has keep me desk-bound for much of 2004. Now completed, the work awaits its premiere, while I try to catch up with a backlog of more requests for music – what a lovely way to spend one’s life!”

Premieres

Several works were first heard in 2003 including The Golden Gate for two pianos (awarded first prize at the MTAC Convention in San Diego, CA) and Summer Scenes for marimba and vibraphone, performed by Pacific Sticks in October for a National Association of Composers USA concert, Palo Alto Arts Center, CA. Works premiered in 2004 include Four Miniature Homages for piano solo, in recitals by Hye Yeong Min at Diablo Valley College and for the Women Musicians Club of San Francisco, CA; Bodega Bay, by violinist Kristina Anderson and pianist Miles Graber at a NACUSA concert in Palo Alto, CA; and Homage to George Gershwin, by the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra, at the Palo Alto Arts Center.

Performances

Muir Woods, for organ and piano, was presented in May 2003 by the Welch/Hancock Duo at the University of Redlands (CA) Organ Festival, and in August at the Methuen (MA) Memorial Hall. Florida Fantasy, for piano, four hands, was performed in July by the Rocklin/Clark Duo at the MTAC Convention Contemporary Music concert in Santa Clara, CA. Three Scenes from New Orleans, for piano four hands, was presented in two concerts in May 2004 by the Octtava Duo, in Greenbelt and Baltimore, MD. Three Odd Meters, for piano, four hands was presented in September by Marge Cassingham and the composer for an SAI Musicale in Portola Valley, CA.

Publications

Three Odd Meters, piano, four hands; Dakota Days, suite for piano solo; Mice in the Attic: A Micro-Music Drama for Piano with Optional Narrators; Favorite Carols for Two, arrangements for piano four hands; all by Hal Leonard.

Recordings

Three Odd Meters from Dances With Harpsichords, Elaine Funaro, harpsichord; Centaur Records CRC2651.

**Sigma Alpha Iota Friend of the Arts

Further Information

• 2002-2003 American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 American Composers Update
• 1997-1998 American Composers Update
• 1996-1997 American Composers Update
• SAI's Composers Bureau Online
• SAI's Music for Young People section