Chattanooga Symphony & Opera - Pines of Rome & Appalachian Spring

Luminosity

Luminosity
Chris Rogerson
(b. December 1988 in Amherst, New York)

At 35 years old already Chris Rogerson has received commissions from major orchestras all across the country. He began piano study at age 2 and cello at age 8. He is the first of three composers tonight to make the Curtis Institute a stop in their development.

Luminosity was commissioned by the Buffalo Philharmonic to celebrate Buffalo staff conductor Paul Ferington who was also a friend and mentor to Rogerson.

Rogerson writes about Luminosity, “Luminosity opens with an energetic gesture that is reminiscent of fireworks. After the punchy and rhythmic opening, the piece relaxes into a middle section that is more lyrical and songlike. This material is then reimagined as the heroic and majestic climax of the piece, which features a repeated downward gesture in the percussion, strings, and winds – my attempt at evoking slowly falling willow-like fireworks. The opening rhythmic drive and energy return to close the work.”

The commission was welcome and Ferington meant the world to Rogerson, "The musicians of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra approached me in 2009 about commissioning me to write a concert opener. I was thrilled by the offer. I then learned that the piece was to be in honor of Paul Ferington, in his 25th year on the conducting staff of the BPO. Paul and I have performed many times together, including many concerts on Christmas Eve at my church just about every year. But more than that, Paul has been a great mentor and friend to me. He is one of those rare people whose joy for life is contagious to every person around him. So, when I was approached about this, I was very excited: a celebratory piece for Paul—and it was to be ‘fittingly joyous.’ Thus, came Luminosity—a portrait of the light and excitement Paul exudes.”