Michael G. Cunningham

Michael G. Cunningham has retired from his teaching position at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. His new works include a set of eight Piano Preludes, an orchestral ballet entitled Niadina, and Pressed Rose, for band and high B-flat instrument.

Premieres

Love Came Down at Christmas, for soprano and piano, was first presented by Annie Bailey and Judy Lies, on December 25, 2005, at the First Congregational Church of Eau Claire, WI. Five new works were first heard on a January 25, 2006 program at the composer’s residential campus, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Horn Sonata No. 2, by Verle A. Ormsby and pianist Barbara Wimunc-Pearson; Shakespeare Sonnets Set 8, by tenor Mark Mowry and Namji Kim; Clarinet Sonata, by Richard Fletcher and Wimunc-Pearson; Shakespeare Sonnets Set 9, by soprano Mitra Sadeghpour and Wimunc-Pearson; and Bassoon Sonata No. 2, by Kristine Fletcher and Beverly Soll. An operatic scene, The Plight of Antigone, was premiered by a Phi Mu Alpha ensemble, with soloists Kathryn Proctor-Duax and Robert Knight, in a March 29 performance conducted by Adam Boll, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Performances

Tubist Jerry Young and pianist Barbara Young performed High Jinks on October 9, 2005, at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The slow movement from the Oboe Sonata was also heard in a March 5, 2006 performance at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, by Christa N. Garvey and Beverly Soll.

Recordings

“Violin Concerto,” MMC New Century Series volume 19.

Further Information

• 2004-2005 American Composers Update
• 2003-2004 American Composers Update
• 2002-2003 American Composers Update
• 2001-2002 American Composers Update
• 2000-2001 American Composers Update
• 1999-2000 American Composers Update
• 1998-1999 American Composers Update
• 1997-1998 American Composers Update
• 1996-1997 American Composers Update
• SAI's Composers Bureau Online