Naxos American Classics has released Dan Locklair’s Symphony No.2 “America,” along with his Hail the Coming Day, Concerto for Organ and Orchestra, and PHOENIX for orchestra.
The disk was recorded by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, led by Kirk Trevor and Michael Roháč. Organ soloist is Peter Mikula.
Dan writes, “My Symphony No.2 “America” unabashedly celebrates America: “The Land of the Free”. Begun in May, 2015, this three-movement composition was completed in July, 2016 and is scored for a large triple-wind symphony orchestra. The World Premiere was given by John Gordon Ross and the Western Piedmont Symphony (Hickory, NC) in October, 2017. Approximately 22 minutes in length, each movement is a reflection upon a holiday that is at the heart of America: 1. Independence Day; 2. Memorial Day; 3. Thanksgiving Day. A single, well-known melody associated with the essence of each of these American holidays is heard in each movement.”
Hail the Coming Day (A Festive Piece for Orchestra) is the result of a 2012 commission from The City of Winston-Salem, NC in honor of the 2013 Centennial Celebration of the consolidation of the towns of Winston and Salem.
Concerto for Organ and Orchestra was commissioned by the Greater Greensboro (NC) Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Gerard Schwarz conducted the World Premiere with the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra.
PHOENIX for orchestra began its life as a three-minute PHOENIX Fanfare, and was subsequently expanded to an orchestral work on commission from the Winston-Salem (NC) Symphony and Arizona MusicFest (Robert Moody, Music Director of both).
More about the CD here. The scores are published by Subito Music.