Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra

Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 4 PM
Talley Student Union, Stewart Theatre, Raleigh, NC
Peter Askim, conductor

Ahmed Al Abaca: Beacons (World Premiere)

Beacons will explore the richness of Black American Music. Envisioned as a tone poem that weaves in and out of the lush, spiritual, intricate and complicated spirit of the Black American musical tradition, Beacons will draw from the great Black American composers whom they consider to be beacons of light for contemporary Black composers — keeping them inspired, alive, and focused. Al Abaca will compose a piece that is reflective of their own musical voice, while also paying homage to those who came before them.

Free for NC State Students (online only; available 2 weeks before concert), $10 for faculty, staff and seniors, $12 for the general public.

Raleigh Civic Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 4 PM
Talley Student Union, Stewart Theatre, Raleigh, NC
Peter Askim, conductor
Dr. Ksenija Komljenović, percussion

Chris Boardman: New Work (World Premiere)

Honoring the Serbian percussionist Ksenija Komljenović, Chris Boardman will compose a world premiere for the Raleigh Civic Symphony with Dr. Komljenović as soloist. Boardman writes, “‘Intellectually brilliant, musically curious, intuitive, with the heart of an artist’ is how I would describe Dr. Komljenovic. As with other supremely gifted people I have had the privilege to work with, she is humble, sensitive and consistently displays a compassionate graciousness towards everyone she meets… This is a personal statement and showcase that unabashedly pulls on the audience’s heartstrings to share the power of music, to inspire hope, and remind us all that there is beauty wherever we turn… if we only stop to listen.”

Raleigh Civic Chamber Orchestra

Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 4 PM
Talley Student Union, Stewart Theatre, Raleigh, NC
Peter Askim, conductor

Nathan Leaf: New Work (World Premiere)

The non-violent civil rights movement, in the manner envisioned and perpetuated by Martin Luther King, Jr., has taught and continues to teach the entire country about far more than the importance of racial equality. It has also taught the country about how to engage in the democratic process, and the ways in which we must work together to achieve a just society. This new work for choir and chamber orchestra will utilize texts of democratic leaders in a work about how the work of non-violence points us towards solutions of our conflicts and can save us from ourselves.

Free for NC State Students (online only; available 2 weeks before concert), $10 for faculty, staff and seniors, $12 for the general public.

Raleigh Civic Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 4 PM
Talley Student Union, Stewart Theatre, Raleigh, NC
Peter Askim, conductor

Adrian Gordon: An American Dream (World Premiere)

An American Dream is a melodic portrayal of Adrian Gordon’s journey through his career. Written from the perspective of a Black composer who was raised and employed in an environment where he consistently found himself in the minority, this composition will beautifully illustrate a narrative of hope and unwavering determination, capturing the essence of overcoming barriers to achieve musical aspirations that were once considered beyond reach.