Works by only two composers will be performed at the next Amarillo Symphony concert — one by an iconic musician, the other by a West Texas A&M University graduate.
“Nuage” by WT alum and current administrative staff member Christopher Garcia will open the orchestra’s June concerts, set for 6 and 8:30 p.m. June 4 and 5 in the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. The concerts also will feature Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4.
Garcia won the Symphony’s WT Student Composers’ Initiative competition in 2020, but thanks to the pandemic, the orchestra hasn’t been able to give it a live world premiere until now.
“The WTAMU Composer’s Initiative has been a cornerstone of our mission to support young composers,” says Symphony Music Director Jacomo Bairos. “We are thrilled to present Chris Garcia’s new work to our audience in this special concert.”
“Nuage” is Garcia’s second work to be performed by the Symphony. His first piece, “At the Ball: A Cinderella Story,” was performed in 2015 for Symphony Kids concerts and during the subscription concerts that same week.
“Having a second piece performed by the Symphony is a big thing, especially knowing that Jacomo and the Symphony like my work enough to want to do it again,” Garcia said.
The piece originally was written for flute and piano, but Garcia expanded his concept to include a light orchestra, as well.
Though he’s no longer a full-time student, he remains active in Dr. B.J. Brooks’ composition studio.
“Chris’ music is engaging, evocative, and a pleasure to hear. He has always had a unique musical voice,” said Brooks, professor of music theory and composition. “I first worked with Chris when he was an undergraduate about 10 years ago. After his graduation I have had many more opportunities to hear his music and see how far he has come in composition. Though words do not do it justice, ‘Nuage’ is close to the clouds as your ears can get while in an auditorium. Chris has a talent for combining notes in just the right way to capture the mood of his subject.”
“Nuage,” which is French for “cloud,” was inspired by a trip from Garcia’s home in the Midland area and Canyon when he was an undergraduate.
“There were blue skies with just the tiniest whiff of a cloud, then all of the sudden, the sky was just full of them,” Garcia said. “They turned gray and a storm hit, and then as I drove into Canyon, it all dispersed and there were blue skies again.”
Before beginning his studies at WT as a bassoon player, Garcia had no training in composition, just some experimentation using free software.
“Dr. Brooks took pity on me,” Garcia said, laughing. “He really gave me the knowledge and technique to go out on my own.”
Now, in addition to his work in the School of Music, Garcia is a freelance composer.
“I’ve had some success composing,” he said. “And I also love doing my administrative work here at WT. It’s something I didn’t expect I’d really enjoy, but it’s fun and it allows me time to work on my music.”
Tickets are $16 to $55, plus service fees. Call 806-376-8782 or 806-378-3096.
WT’s support of the arts and humanities is a vital part of its long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
-West Texas A&M University
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