Premiere performance by the UMKC Clarinet Choir conducted by  Evelynn Esquivel in Winter of 2024

NIGHT GLOW was originally a Grade 3 work for wind ensemble commissioned in the Fall of 2023 by Dr. Joe Parisi and the Roeland Park New Horizons Band. This carefully crafted version of NIGHT GLOW for clarinet choir and percussion was made at the request of Evelynn Esquivel. NIGHT GLOW takes inspiration from the idea of fusing together two separate songs that come from different holidays and religions: The classic Christmas carol “Silent Night” and the liturgical Jewish hymn “Ma'oz Tzur”. Both works are significant to their respective holiday and religion, and I felt that using “Silent Night” and “Ma'oz Tzur” in this setting could provide a meaningful and enjoyable piece for clarinet choirs and percussionists to perform, especially on holiday concerts. NIGHT GLOW begins with a gentle slow section, containing subtle references to “Silent Night”. The main thematic material passes between the upper six clarinets, who along with timpani and “bell-toning” bass clarinets, gradually build in dynamics as more instruments continue to enter the texture. After a climactic fortissimo chord, a lyrical solo leads into a celebratory fast section containing references to “Ma'oz Tzur”. Another flowing solo and a restatement of the celebratory material leads into a chorale-like section calling back to “Silent Night” led by the bass clarinets, contrabass clarinet, and percussion. NIGHT GLOW ends with a joyful, optimistic finale that features sections and fragments of both “Silent Night” and “Ma'oz Tzur” being played simultaneously throughout the ensemble.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p48/NIGHT_GLOW_-_Version_for_Clarinet_Choir_and_Percussion_%282024%29.html

NIGHT GLOW - Version for Clarinet Choir and Percussion

A native Michigander whose music has been described as "high energy", "innovative" and "very thoughtful and concise" (International Tuba and Euphonium Association), Dr. Ian Lester (b. 1994) is an award-winning composer, euphonium player, and teacher holding a Doctorate degree in euphonium performance and Master’s degree in composition from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where he also previously received his Master's degree in euphonium performance. Ian received his Bachelor’s degree in euphonium performance and pursued additional composition studies at Oakland University in Michigan. Ian’s works have been performed and recorded by soloists, chamber ensembles, wind bands, and brass bands at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Fort Myer, and many universities and recital halls around the world. Notable achievements include winning the 2016 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Composition Competition, receiving the 2018 Oakland University's Outstanding Student in Composition award, winning the 2018 North Texas Euphonium Quartet Composition Competition, the 2021 Mirari Brass Quintet Call for Scores, and the 2022 UMKC Composition Competition, being selected to attend the 2021 Julius String Quartet EMERGE Solstice Composition Workshop, along with winning both the inaugural 2023 North Texas I.T.E.A. Chapter Composition Competition and the 2023 I.T.E.A. R. Winston Morris Award for excellence in tuba/euphonium ensemble composition.