Farshid Samandari: Phoenix Rising

Flute: Mark Takeshi McGregor / Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra, Turning Point Ensemble / Chih-Sheng Chen / National Recital Hall, Taipei, Taiwan 2018.11.7 (world premiere, commissioned work)

“Phoenix Rising” is a single movement flute concerto and depicts the rise of the phoenix: “Out of the ashes rises the phoenix.” This dramatic work portrays the cycle of death, birth and the rise of a new phoenix, which is common among many different cultures. It begins with the demise of a mature thriving phoenix as the soloist is introduced. The second section uses free rhythmic structures and controlled improvisation. Eventually as a new phoenix is born, the music becomes more rhythmic and metric.

(Edited: Patty Chan)