REGINA HARRIS BAIOCCHI | Muse for Orchestra
AUTUMN MARIA REED | Mental Health Suite
XAVIER FOLEY | Soul Bass
ERIC GOULD | An American City
OMAR THOMAS | Of Our New Day Begun
RUN TIME: 1 HR 15 MINUTES
*All programs subject to change
Capitol Theater
Madison, Wisconsin
Endeavor
Endeavor is a bold exploration of the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s only fitting that the third installment of the Musical Landscapes in Color project features living Black American composers whose works span nearly three decades of innovation.
From Regina Harris Baiocchi’s evocative Muse for Orchestra to the world premiere of Madison local Autumn Maria Reed’s Mental Health Suite, this program is a testament to resilience and creativity. Experience the cinematic sweep of Eric Gould’s An American City and the passionate tribute of Omar Thomas’ Of Our New Day Begun, which blends soulful tones with powerful rhythms. The performance culminates with the raw power of Xavier Foley’s Soul Bass concerto, as the composer himself commands the stage as soloist.
More than a concert, more than an album—it’s a movement, recorded live to inspire generations to come.
Xavier Foley, bass/composer
Xavier Foley is known for communicating his virtuosity and passion for music on the double bass, which is rarely presented as a solo instrument. Xavier is a first-prize winner of the 2016 YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, winner of the 2014 Sphinx Competition, and a 2018 Recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant. As a composer, Xavier’s recent commissions include Santa Fe Pro Musica, The Cabrillo Festival in conjunction with the Mahler Foundation, the Sphinx Organization co-commissioned with Carnegie Hall and the New World Symphony, Chicago Symphony’s MusicNOW (curated by Jessie Montgomery), and the Oregon Symphony, where he has been named Artist-in-Residence for the next three seasons. Read Xavier's full bio here.
Regina Harris Baiocchi, composer
Regina Harris Baiocchi is a composer, author, and poet who inspires emotional investment of performers and audiences. Her music has been performed by members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, US Army Band, American Guild of Organists, Chicago Brass Quintet, Milwaukee Brass Quintet, Gaudete Brass, Lincoln Trio, et al. Compositions include orchestral music; a mass; libretto and opera; marimba concerto; hand drum choir; ballet; chamber, choral, jazz, gospel; solo: flute, oboe, oboe d’amore, English horn, bass oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, piano, and pipe organ. Many compositions are commissioned work. Orchestral music includes Communion, Muse, and Orchestral Suite. Read Regina's full bio here.
Eric Gould, composer
While his three CDs have met with success and have enabled him to make a mark on the national jazz scene, these are but one aspect of a multi-dimensional career for pianist, composer, and arranger Eric Gould. As a bandleader, musician, producer, and educator, he has distinguished himself through his work and compiled a resume that allows him to move between various genres of music and areas of focus. Eric Gould currently resides in Brookline, MA, where he is active in composing, performing, teaching, recording, production, and arts management consultation. He is listed in the 2007 edition of "Who's Who in America." Read Eric's full bio here.
Omar Thomas, composer
Described as "elegant, beautiful, sophisticated, intense, and crystal clear in emotional intent," the music of Omar Thomas continues to move listeners everywhere it is performed. Born to Guyanese parents in Brooklyn, New York in 1984, Omar moved to Boston in 2006 to pursue a Master of Music in Jazz Composition at the New England Conservatory of Music after studying Music Education at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is the protégé of lauded composers and educators Ken Schaphorst and Frank Carlberg, and has studied under multiple Grammy-winning composer and bandleader Maria Schneider. Read Omar's full bio here.
Autumn Maria Reed, composer
Autumn Maria Reed is a Wisconsin-based composer, orchestrator, and sound designer and Berklee alumna. She has composed for theater Music Theatre of Madison, Are We Delicious?, and KR Women’s Theatre and orchestras River Oaks Chamber Orchestra (ROCO), Brazil’s Orquestra Sinfônica Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro (OSTNCS), Chicago Philharmonic. She collaborates with The Black String Triage Ensemble and Black Diaspora Symphony Orchestra, performing and composing music for trauma victims. Passionate about mental health advocacy, she enjoys time with family. Read Autumn's full bio here.
PROGRAM
Sponsors
What to Expect
Pre-Concert Talk
Join us to learn more from Music Director Andrew Sewell and the composers about tonight's program
Doors: 6:00 PM
Talk: 6:30 - 7:00 PM
Wisconsin Studio, Third Floor Overture Center
What to Wear
Come as you are!
Music is all about the senses, so we want you to be comfortable while you enjoy it. Most of our attendees wear anything from jeans to dressy clothes. Learn more about the concert experience.
Getting Here
Map, directions, and parking information to help you plan your evening.
Beverages
Cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are available within the Capitol Theater lobby. This performance is recorded LIVE! Beverages will not be allowed into the theater to minimize noise disruptions.
Post-Concert Party
Join us for our post-concert party and meet someone new! As an attendee, you'll receive our 'Know before you go' email so you can stress less about the details, and enjoy yourself more.
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