Ensemble for These Times, the acclaimed San Francisco contemporary chamber group, has unveiled the winners of its 2024 Call for Scores for Solo Piano. These selected works will be performed by E4TT emerita pianist Dale Tsang in a solo recital during the group’s 17th Home Season. This marks the second solo piano Call for Scores organized by E4TT.
Dale Tsang expressed, “We are incredibly thankful to our vibrant composer community for sharing their musical projects with us. We were truly amazed by the high caliber and diversity of submissions from around the world, including contributions from students, seasoned composers, and professionals from various fields. After careful review of each score and recording, we selected a program that stands out for its originality, intelligence, enthusiasm, and beauty. E4TT received around 110 scores from 50 composers and chose 11: Alexa Canales, Michael Coleman, Albert de la Fuente, Lilyanne Dorilas, George N. Gianapoulos, Dorothy Hindman, Ye-Chong Jeon, Evans Kocja, Jon Grier, Kian Ravaei, and Judith Shatin. Tsang will perform these pieces on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. PT during the second program of E4TT’s Solo Piano Call for Scores winners, titled “Call for Scores: Solo Piano, Vol 2.” The concert will be available online (free, with donations welcome) and in-person ($5-30, with no one turned away for lack of ability to pay) at the Berkeley Piano Club. Tickets and RSVPs can be accessed through Eventbrite.
Following the success of her first solo piano Call for Scores for Ensemble for These Times in 2022, E4TT emerita pianist Dale Tsang will return in 2025 to perform eleven pieces chosen from the group’s second solo piano Call for Scores. This year, E4TT received double the number of submissions compared to the previous call, with approximately 110 scores from 50 composers during the official two-week submission period. Composers from 12 countries (Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, Iceland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and the US) and 18 US states submitted their works, with a mix of students, established composers, and professionals from other fields. The selection process was challenging due to the high quality and diversity of the submissions. The eleven selected pieces are: “(un)ravel” (2023) by Alexa Canales (b. 1992), “Eastern Shore Rag” (2002, ed. 2019) by Michael Coleman (b. 1955), “Black Amber” (2024) by Lilyanne Dorilas (b. 2002), “Sonata, Movement 1” (2020-21) by Albert de la Fuente (b. 1989), “Fughetta on Monk’s ‘Well You Needn’t'” from “Five Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 15” (2009-2013) by George Gianopoulos (b. 1984), “Quantum Entanglement” (2024) for speaking pianist by Jon Grier (b. 1953), “Wanting – Night Music” from “Forward Looking Back” (1992) by Dorothy Hindman (b. 1966), “Drum of Creation” from Shiva Nataraja Suite (2022) by Ye-Chong Jeon (b. 1999), Prelude No. 1 for Piano (2021) by Evans Kocja (b. 1991), “The Sea Serpent” from “Marvels of Creatures and Strange Things Existing” (2021) by Kian Ravaei (b. 1999), and “Scirocco” (1985) by Judith Shatin (b. 1949). Tsang will perform these works on February 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., and the concert will be viewable both in-person at the Berkeley Piano Club and online via E4TT’s YouTube channel.
Eleven Works by Eleven Distinguished Composers
Alexa Canales (b. 1992): A composer, pianist, and educator, Canales explores color, rhythm, and texture in her compositions. Her works have been performed by prominent ensembles in the U.S. and Europe. She has received numerous grants and commissions, including from the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra. Canales holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Composition from Rutgers University and a B.A. from Boston College.
Michael Coleman (b. 1955): Coleman’s music has been featured in festivals and programs across the U.S. and internationally. His recent awards include the III Leopold Auer International Composition Competition and various prizes in the Golden Key Piano Composition Competition. He is on the faculties of Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida and is involved with RMN Music and Phasma.
Albert de la Fuente (b. 1989): Based in Barcelona, de la Fuente is a self-taught composer whose work blends classical forms with contemporary harmonic language. His influences include Schubert, Ravel, and Bartók. He has won several composition competitions and became a composer fellow at the Premiere Project Festival in 2024.
Lilyanne Dorilas (b. 2002): A violinist and composer from Boston, Dorilas combines modal jazz, blues, and Post-Romantic classical music in her compositions. She recently premiered a movement of her Violin Concerto No. 1 and is known for her versatile style. She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2024.
George Gianopoulos (b. 1984): Gianopoulos’ background as a pianist informs his compositions, which have been performed across Europe and America. His work has received commissions from various ensembles and organizations. He has been recognized by the American Viola Society and is a member of multiple music alliances.
Jon Jeffrey Grier (b. 1953): Grier holds multiple degrees in Composition and Theory and has won numerous awards, including the 2024 Renee Fisher Piano Composition Competition. He continues to compose and teach in Greenville, South Carolina, where he is also a board member of the Sigal Music Museum.
Dorothy Hindman (b. 1966): Hindman’s music blends punk/grunge influences with classical refinement, focusing on timbre and rhythm. Her works have been performed worldwide, including venues like Carnegie Hall. She is known for her innovative approach and is on the composition faculty at the University of Miami.
Ye-Chong Jeon (b. 1999): A South Korean composer studying at Indiana University, Jeon’s work spans classical and traditional Korean instruments. Her compositions have been featured in various international festivals and she leads the creative ensemble ‘Ongojisin’.
Evans Kocja (b. 1991): Based in Brussels, Kocja’s music combines spectral techniques with classical influences. His work reflects a quest for musical authenticity and personal style. He has studied at the University of Arts in Tirana and Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel.
Kian Ravaei (b. 1999): Ravaei creates evocative musical portraits that blend various inspirations. His works have earned him notable honors and commissions, including from Chamber Music Northwest and Seattle Chamber Music Society. He will begin a doctoral fellowship at The Juilliard School this fall.
Judith Shatin (b. 1949): Shatin’s diverse music spans acoustic, electroacoustic, and digital realms. She is known for her inventive use of timbre and narrative design. Her compositions have been commissioned by major institutions and performed globally. She has held numerous residencies and her music is featured on over 30 albums.
