Alexa Still plays a silver flute made for her by Brannen Brothers of Boston, with both gold and wooden headjoints by Sanford Drelinger.
Composer Biography
Efraín Amaya, the composer, was born in Venezuela and began his musical training there, serving as music director and conductor for the El Sistema youth symphony orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Efraín Amaya's piece Archipiélagos, named after Venezuelan archipelagos, subtly incorporates the Venezuelan national anthem to symbolize the country's beauty and sociopolitical anxiety.
Composition History
PRES-ENT for flute and cello was commissioned by Gerald and Tanya Carey to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, with music intended to tell the story of a marriage.
Performer Biography
Alexa Still, the flutist on this album, was born in New Zealand and became principal flute with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at age 23.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in February, March, and April 2015 at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, which is the oldest continuously operating conservatory in the United States.
