Joy in the Prairie
Composer Reinaldo Moya is a graduate of Venezuela’s El Sistema, the famed music education system launched by the late José Antonio Abreu to instigate social change and transformation in young lives. It’s a background that led Moya to studies at the Juilliard School, numerous commissions, awards and accolades, and eventually to Minnesota, where he taught at St. Olaf College and now serves as assistant professor of composition at Augsburg University.
Moya wrote his Minnesota Suite in 2020 as a sonic tribute to the geography of his new home state; each of its three movements references a particular aspect of the Minnesota landscape. The final movement, Lily of the West, which the Minnesota Orchestra performed for the 2021 Symphony Ball, depicts the big skies and vast expanse of the prairie. He cites as inspiration an old pioneer song called “Lovely Minnesoty” that he incorporates into a solo clarinet line at the beginning of the piece.
We share Reinaldo Moya’s Lily of the West on Earth Day in honor of beautiful landscapes, everywhere.
Related Articles
Inside the Music
Sounds of Freedom: Raphel on Juneteenth Concerts
On June 23 and 24, the Minnesota Orchestra will present its first-ever performances in celebration of Juneteenth, featuring a diverse program by primarily Black composers.
Inside the Music
Five Reasons Not to Miss the Day of Music (Seriously)
Inside the Music
Your Face Says It All: Rehearsal with Susie and Silver
Inside the Music
Program Notes: brea(d)th
Inside the Music