Cleveland Orchestra
“Based on Smetana’s “From My Life” Quartet, Sortomme’s readily approachable second gift
to Cleveland emerged as a gripping, vigorously colorful re-imagining of the original . . . the large
ensemble surrounded the soloists in a prismatic array of sounds, . . . Indeed, Sortomme
knows how to write for orchestra, and must be permitted to do so again.”
—The Plain Dealer
Major News Announcement!
The wonderful recording project of three of my compositions, Rhapsody for Viola & Orchestra, Concerto for Violin & Orchestra and Concerto for Piano & Wind Symphony, will be postponed until 2026, because of the war in Ukraine. But it is still especially exciting because Naxos Records will be distributing the album on the Naxos American Classics label! There will be posted updates all through this next year, including the months of preparation and of course during the recording process.
New YouTube Channel!
Richard has just launched a YouTube channel devoted to discussion about composing, orchestration and creating the most comfortable and productive studio environment in which to realize compositions. WATCH PLAYLIST HERE!
Concerto for Piano and Wind Symphony
February 20, 2020
Pamela Mia Paul, piano soloist, The North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Artistic Director, Daniel Cook, Guest Conductor
Click below to the live performance on YouTube!
Culmination 1 solo is being reorchestrated for bass trombone!
I have begun reorchestrating the solo viola part in Culmination 1 for bass trombone. The brilliant and most unique bass trombonist David Taylor recently heard the recording and asked me if I could write a version for him to perform in concert. I was thrilled at his suggestion and indeed we just had our 1st creative/collaborative meeting in New York City, beginning the process to fashion a new treatment of the solo part, utilizing all of his amazing gifts including multiphonics, and employing a battery of mutes of his own creation.
