Sammy Saguaro (2016)

Commissioned by Giancarlo Latta for “16x16: The Rice Encores Project”

Sammy Saguaro, a short encore for violin and piano, was written for violinist Giancarlo Latta’s “16x16: The Rice Encores Project.” Giancarlo, along with pianist Wesley Ducote, commissioned the entire Rice composition studio to write short violin and piano encores which they premiered in spring 2017 and subsequently recorded.

Giancarlo writes:

 “16x16: The Rice Encores Project” involved the creation of sixteen new short works for violin and piano by composition students at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. The project was originally inspired by Hilary Hahn’s “In 27 Pieces” commissioning project, in which Hahn premiered 27 short encore-style works by leading composers from around the world. “16x16” was conceived, similarly, as an opportunity for the creation of new musical works here at Rice University. Because all members of the 2015–2016 Rice composition studio contributed to the project—from freshmen undergraduates to doctoral candidates—it exemplifies the artistic diversity and creative range of Rice’s student composers. Additionally, the project showcases the interactivity between the Shepherd School’s composition and performance departments, illustrating the dedication of both its composers and performers to bring new musical works to life. The 16 pieces were premiered on April 23, 2017. 

Purchase the 16x16 CD here!