"Three Meditations" continues my practice of engaging with the creative work of Adelphi University colleagues and friends. This new work, written for Hub New Music, instead of setting the poems to be sung in performance, consists of instrumental reflections, responses, and “sonic paintings” of poetry by Maya Marshall and Jan-Henry Gray. These poems dwell on meanings of family and home; the anxiety of displacement; and love and hope. The three sections of the piece are performed without break, creating a quasi narrative progression from one to the next. The three poems are: "Nest" (M. Marshall); "Missing Document" (J. Gray); and "Everyday" (M. Marshall). Tremendous thanks to Hub New Music for how they made this piece come to life with such conviction. It was a deeply meaningful piece to me and it couldn't have been in better hands. And heartfelt gratitude to Maya and Jan-Henry for allowing me to respond to their work.

Three Meditations (for flute, clarinet, violin, and cello; 2024)

Sidney Marquez Boquiren grew up in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, spending most of his adult life in the United States. He collaborates with artists on various projects including Biblical illumination; multimedia and multi-sensory art experience; chamber opera; and dance. He has received commissions from the German vocal quintet, amarcord; harpist, Tasha Smith Godinez; the contemporary ensemble, counter)induction; and Parhelion Trio. He is one of 32 artists in the international roster commissioned to compose new solo piano works for Yael Weiss’ “32 Bright Clouds”. His compositions are often informed, influenced, and shaped by contemporary social justice issues; his Catholic faith; and his Philippine identity.

A MacDowell Fellow, Sidney is Professor of Music at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. He sings with the Ignatian Schola as well as the choir of The Church of St. Francis Xavier in Manhattan, New York.