Faculty artist David Smooke (MM ’95, Composition) released a CD titled Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Deaths under New Focus records. The titled work was recorded by the Peabody Wind Ensemble, directed by Harlan D. Parker, with Dr. Smooke on toy piano. The piece Some Details of Hell featured the Lunar Ensemble, conducted by Gemma New (MM ’11, Conducting), with soprano Lisa Perry (MM ’11, Voice), Stephanie Ray (MM ’12, Flute), Gleb Kanasevich (BM ‘11, Clarinet), John Wilson (BM ’10, MM ’12, GPD ’14, Piano), and Peter Kibbe (BM ’12, Cello). The release features a wide range of compositional techniques, including micro tonality, a deft timbral and orchestral brushstroke, and extended performance techniques. Release tour dates include November 1 at Windup Space in Baltimore, January 22 at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, N.Y., and February 24 at the Center for New Music in San Francisco, Calif.
