(August 2023) Episode 518 is VALERIE COLEMAN, a contemporary composer and flutist who cofounded the wind quartet Imani Winds. Not surprisingly, many of her compositions, whether solo, duo or group, feature the flute. She has also penned works for strings for orchestra and chamber. Consistent with the voice of a flute, her works are generally lively and breezy, in contrast to the disquieted ambience I often hear from contemporaries I’ve reviewed.
Favorite piece (chamber): Shotgun Houses
Favorite orchestral piece Umoja, Anthem of Unity
Favorite solo/duo piece: Fanmi Imèn
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: Give it a try, especially if you like flute.
Opus Project 