Last spring, I had the loveliest conversation with the marvelous composer Gemma Peacocke. It is refreshing to learn about the lives of others as personal stories make such an impact on how I listen to, think about, and teach music. My conversation with Gemma was an excellent reminder that so many of us share many joyful, painful, and important life events. It was a treat to peer into a small snippet of Gemma’s musical world.

Gemma is a BUSY musician. A few of her more prominent positions include: being a co-founder of composer collective Kinds of Kings, which is a composer collective focused on amplifying and advocating for under-heard voices, writing for I Care if You Listen, a multimedia hub for living music creators powered by American Composers Forum, and teaching at NYU Steinhardt and precept at Princeton University.

After having a deep dive into Peacocke’s compositions, I would love to introduce you to three of her works. Be sure to check out more about Gemma (information below). She is a fascinating person and makes a big impact on her community through the music she creates.

During my conversation with Gemma, I asked her what composition she was most proud of and why?

It is exciting to watch various ensembles across the country that create, innovate, and inspire. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is certainly one of the amazing world class ensembles that continues to “wow” us with their commitment to “extraordinary musical experiences through innovative collaborations.” In January, they collaborated with one of my favorite musicians, Hanna Benn.

This week Seattle Collaborative Orchestra began rehearsals for our next concert “We walk, We fly!” It is impossible to convey my excitement for the compositions we are performing, however I will start with exploring the music of one of our featured composers Michael Abels.

Michael’s music is fun, accessible, and tells excellent stories, which make sense since he has composed numerous scores for film, including his best-known score for GET OUT, an Oscar-winning film, as well as the hip-hop influenced score for US. Abel’s music has been performed across the country. Today I would love to introduce you to three of his compositions - Global Warming, Urban Legends, and Borders.

It has been an absolute pleasure to listen to the works of Judith Weir this week. Much of her music is influenced by poetry, philosophy, and nature, which is clearly conveyed in her compositions.

One fun view into Weir’s life is that in 2014, she was chosen to be the first female Master of the Queen’s Music, a position in the Royal Household of the Sovereign in the United Kingdom. Fancy!!! Originally this post served the monarch of England where they directed the court orchestra and composed music as needed.

Part of my inspiration comes from my listening list this week from the fabulously talented Reena Esmail. There are MANY reasons why Reena’s music moves me, however today I want to focus on three of her pieces.

It has been a pleasure to delve into the music of Miguel del Aguila and Ruth Gipps. This week I have been thinking about musical thumbprints as the individual voices are clear with these two composers.

This week, I am loving the music of Paul Chihara, Emma Lou Diemer, and Texu Kim. What fantastic (and fun) compositions.

This week, I would love to share my latest article on the Everything Conducting website - "Reflections on Gender and Race - My work at the SCO and the development of Anna's Composer Database" and the composer who propelled and inspired me on my journey - Sarah Bassingthwaighte.

If you have not had the chance to get to know Clarice Assad’s music, I am thrilled to introduce you to her and her compositions. The three compositions - Bonecos de Olinda, Nhanderú , Sin fronteros are excellent examples of the fantastic pieces that will work for a variety of ensembles.