COMPOSER'S CONCERTO TO PREMIERE AT HOUSTON SYMPHONY

Office of News and Media Relations
Dawn Dorsey, Special to the Rice News

Richard Lavenda, Shepherd School professor of composition and theory, knows the value of relationships in life — as well as music. His “Clarinet Concerto,” commissioned last year by the Houston Symphony, will premiere May 14 to 16 in Jones Hall in downtown Houston.

Richard Lavenda

Lavenda’s friendship with David Peck, former Shepherd School faculty member and current symphony principal clarinet, figured fortuitously in the events that led to the symphony’s commission, which recently received a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant. Peck will be the featured soloist at the premiere.

Musical relationships often inform Lavenda’s compositions. “When I compose a piece, I first get a sense of what the players can do, what they sound like,” he said. “I almost always write for specific people.”

Since he knows and has worked with many of the members of the Houston Symphony, he can tailor pieces for the group and individuals.

“I’m able to customize and add little things that my friends like to play,” he said. “That makes it more fun for me to write — and for them to play.”

Instead of conjuring a muse or seeking inspiration, Lavenda says he begins his compositions with a series of challenges. How does he want the music to sound? What resources are available? What happens if he combines certain instruments?

“Working with an orchestra is the most fun,” he said. “I’m like a kid in a candy shop.”

Lavenda’s “Clarinet Concerto” joins what the symphony bills as “a sparkling program” with performances of three symphonies in C major, which symphony conductor Hans Graf calls “the most brilliant tonality, full of light” by Mozart, Weber and Bizet. Performances are at 8 p.m. May 14 and 16 and 2:30 p.m. May 15. For tickets, call 713-224-7575.

Learn more about Shepherd School of Music professor Richard Lavenda’s “Clarinet Concerto” featured by joining him, Houston Symphony clarinet soloist David Peck, symphony conductor Hans Graf and pianist Scott Holshouser in a discussion and demonstration moderated by Shepherd School Dean Robert Yekovich.

Lavenda said this roundtable is noteworthy because the composer, conductor and soloist will be available to discuss the part each plays. Peck and Holshouser will perform excerpts from the concerto.

The discussion and demonstration event will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in Duncan Recital Hall.