“Divided is Montgomery’s response to the sense of helplessness felt in ‘a world that seems to be in constant crisis’. The solo part is brilliantly negotiated here by principal cellist Tommy Mesa.”
Pratt’s latest album is a collection of six newly-commissioned works written for piano, the Grammy-winning vocal band Roomful of Teeth, and string orchestra A Far Cry. Now available on all platforms.
Montgomery says, “It has been great to have the time and space to work on these big projects surrounded by the beauty of the countryside, without the usual distractions that I face in the city.”
Named after Jessie Montgomery for her life-long affiliation with the Chamber Music Center community, the CMC offers two scholarships designated for students from underrepresented communities.
The latest Chicago Symphony Orchestra Resound album includes Jessie Montgomery’s “Hymn for Everyone.” Now available for streaming and digital downloads.
“Jessie Montgomery and Jannina Norpoth’s fresh orchestrations for this production are the first to meet Joplin’s music on its own terms, creating a sound that blends a variety of styles.”
“The split between identities – American, African, daughter, lover, God-fearing, nature-loving – and the anguish resulting from such divides holds much of the power of this reimagined Treemonisha.”
Orchestra collective The Knights perform L.E.S. Characters with violist Masumi Per Rostad at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, June 27th. Listen to the recording on WQXR.
“Transfigure to Grace made plain what Chicago audiences already know: Montgomery is behind some of the most idiomatic and irresistible string writing being penned right now.”