"Though We Fall Short" is a reflective piece inspired by "A Liturgy for Those Who Cannot Be Good Enough", written by members of the creative team at Church of the City New York. The piece as well as the liturgy outlines the depravity of humanity and the reality that we all fall short of God’s glory, and we cannot save ourselves. Following a pattern of confession, crying for help, and finally redemption, the listener acknowledges their sin, seeks the mercy and help of God, and finds comfort and peace in His love and forgiveness. The opening motif that originally represents the emptiness of our sin is transformed as the piece concludes by the abundant grace of the Lord. The old has gone, the new has come.

Performed and recorded by Serene Li

Though We Fall Short

"Luminary" for bass clarinet and marimba explores the brilliance and mystery of the spacious night sky. While most nights in many parts of the world the sky is dark with little light, there is still an essence of radiance as both the stars and the moon reveal their glow at various levels of brightness as the night goes on and slowly turns into dawn. Throughout the piece, the bass clarinet and marimba attempt to mimic such an event, creating an open atmosphere in which the luminescence of the stars and moon is revealed.

Recorded by Transient Canvas

Luminary

"Let the Light In" was inspired by photographs taken by Anna
Pantelia of refugees from Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Algeria
arriving in a new country. The joy and relief of landing somewhere
finally safe on the faces of these people who have suffered so much
was very impactful for me. However, despite coming somewhere
new, these people are still bringing with them their own pasts and
cultures. Within this piece, I explore that reality by attempting to
represent some of the musical aspects of the cultures which they
came from, including some more percussive and joyful moments. All
of these various elements eventually morph together into one, with
sparks of light coming through as well, indicating that while they are
adapting to a new culture and figuring out how to bring their own
with them, there is always a hope and bright future ahead of them.

Performed by The Julius Quartet.

Let The Light In

If one could hear a place of safety and refuge, what would it sound like? "SANCTUARY" explores the concept of reaching such a place of peace and solace. Through constant flowing movement and repetitive motifs, this piece attempts to create a sonic world where one can find stability, familiarity, and respite from the everyday struggles of life, inviting the listener into a musical sanctuary.

Performed live in Vienna, Austria by Trio Immersio.

SANCTUARY

"That Peculiar Day in May" tells the story of two people meeting in person for the first time. There is the nervous excitement and energy that comes with going on a first date with someone, which slowly develops into a cohesive and driving force, where the conversation is easy and the company is engaging and relaxing. The piece culminates with the decision to continue the journey these two individuals have begun, getting to know and to love each other as time goes on. 

This piece is dedicated to my husband, Christian Sylvester. Thank you for taking me out for the first time that peculiar day in May. My life would not be the same without you. 

Performed by Jordan Wier, Olivia Marckx, & Adam Tendler
Presented by New Music On The Point
Audio by Brian Riordan

That Peculiar Day in May

If you could hear the genesis of the earth, what would it sound like? Through a biblical lens of creation, "In the beginning…" explores this phenomenon, traversing through darkness and chaos, light and wonder, and the formation of human life. A musical reimagining of the inception of the universe, this piece finds wonder, peace, excitement, and love, reveling in the fascination and mystery of the beautiful world humanity has the pleasure of existing in. 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:1-3 (NIV).

Composed by Danielle Bees
Performed live by the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the Sofia Symphonic Summit
Conducted by Chenzhejun "Jackie" Hu

In the beginning...

Composed for guitar duo. Performed live at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on May 8th, 2018 by Zak Lennox and James Lind as part of the Plug 2018 New Music Festival.

                              

Reflections

Composed for large chamber ensemble. Performed live at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland by the RSNO Ensemble on May 7th, 2018 as part of the Plug 2018 New Music Festival.

Dome of the Earth (RSNO)      

Dome of the Earth

A piece of contrasts, "Rosie the Riveter" explores the lives of the women working on machinery in factories and the men fighting on the battlefronts during World War II. 

Performed live at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as part of the Plug New Music Festival on May 7th, 2019.

Rosie the Riveter

Danielle Bees is a Sofia Symphonic Summit 2023 Composer, an ICEBERG Institute 2022 Composer, an Alba Festival 2021 Composition Fellow, and an ICon Arts Transylvania Academy 2020 Composer in Residence. Her music for the concert hall, film, and theatre has been performed throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. She has worked with notable ensembles such as the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Trio Immersio, The Julius Quartet, Transient Canvas, among others, and collaborated with actors, directors, and writers alike. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Music from the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton College and a Master of Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Danielle Bees

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