This album showcases three new evocative works by American composer Michael Daugherty, exploring the triumphs and tragedies of flight. Blue Electra is a dramatic violin concerto inspired by the sensational life and mysterious disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart in 1937. Last Dance at the Surf is a one-movement dance symphony for orchestra that reflects upon rock ’n roll legend Buddy Holly’s final performance in 1959 at the Surf Ballroom in Iowa and his tragic death in a plane crash just hours after his show. To the New World for orchestra celebrates the triumphant Apollo 11 moon mission in 1969 and Neil Armstrong’s historic moonwalk. David Alan Miller leads the Albany Symphony with violinist Anne Akiko Meyers as soloist for Blue Electra, a work she commissioned and premiered in 2022.
Blue Electra is a new violin concerto written for Anne Akiko Meyers, who’s commissioned many exciting pieces. This is a real gem! Daugherty, who loves to include ‘popular’ culture in his pieces, uses the life (and plane) of Amelia Earhart. To the New World, based on the Apollo 11 mission, uses soundbites and the voice of Elissa Johnston. Energy and virtuosity are on display with the perfect pairing of Miller and his Albany Symphony. Highly creative, and highly recommended!
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