2Flutes presents Flashes of Inspiration and Joy, a varied program of works for two flutes. The program features, amongst other, works by three members of New York Women Composers — Rain Worthington, Pamela Sklar and Joelle Wallach.

Rain Worthington’s Duets for a Duo, will receive its World Premiere during this concert. This work for flute and Alto flute, takes from an earlier work by Worthington — a work for flute and oboe duo written for and performed at the Festival of Contemporary Music at James Madison University in Virginia. Worthington’s emotionally evocative music has been described as music that “… take ideas of American musical style to a new place – like a walk in a familiar, yet very different park… And isn’t afraid to come up with its own startling conclusions.” – Kyle Gann, Chamber Music magazine

Pamela Sklar’s Flashes of Inspiration and Joy for flute & bass flute doubling Native American flute will receive its Westchester Premiere performance. Inspired by Joy Harjo- the internationally known Native American writer and artist of the Mvskoke/Creek Nation,Flashes of Inspiration and Joy is composer Pamela Sklar’s personal reflection on Joy Harjo’s imagination, spirituality, many talents and determination which enabled her to survive a troubled childhood and early youth. Sklar, one of the two flutists featured in this concert and the co-artistic director of 2Flutes ensemble, is a published composer of chamber music, whose work has been described as “engaging… piquant…stimulating…delightful” by the New York Times.

Joelle Wallach’s The Wreath of Silver Birds, will be performed for the second time by 2Flutes ensemble during this concert. Wallach wrote The Wreath of Silver Birds in 1995 as an outdoor work for solo piccolo in honor of the 95th birthday of composer Otto Luening, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Virginia Center for the Creative Art’s new timpani-topped gazebo. The title is adapted from a line by southern poet Maxwell Bodenheim (1883-1954). Mark Greenfest in The New Music Connoisseur explains that Joelle Wallach’s music ” … has the strength of Bartok (or Beethoven)—passionate, articulate, authentic and thoroughly moving”.

The program is made possible in part by a Seed Money Grant from New York Women composers.