The Consortium for American Woodwind Orchestra Music, led by the Middle Tennessee Woodwind Orchestra of Nashville, TN, is proud to feature its first commissioned composers, Kevin Krumenauer and Chris Evan Hass. 

About Kevin: Composer Kevin Krumenauer strives to create space for contemplation, wonder, connection and transformation. A former Episcopal Deacon, his rhythmic and melodically rich music frequently addresses the transcendent—mystical experience, synesthesia, dance—inviting performers and audiences into emotional connection with the music and each other. His wind ensemble, orchestral and sacred works have been heard throughout the United States, and his chamber and vocal music have been performed internationally. He has studied with Margaret Brouwer (Cleveland Institute of Music) and David Maslanka (private study), and he now teaches at CIM and Case Western Reserve University. https://kevinkrumenauer.com/

Professor Krumenauer's piece will be written for large woodwind ensemble instrumentation plus piano, approximately 10-12 minutes in length, and intermediate - advanced in difficulty. The composer writes: “I expect the piece to be an exploration of the unique sounds that this ensemble can make. I want to explore the timbres and textures of the ensemble and develop a piece that shows off the strengths and flexibility of the woodwind orchestra.”

About Chris: Chris Evan Hass (b. 1993) is a versatile composer, arranger, conductor, and educator from Ann Arbor, MI, known for his “beautifully expressive” and “thrillingly off-kilter” music. His works, characterized by rhythmic complexity and lush harmonies, have been performed by renowned ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic and the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Chris has showcased his compositions at major conferences, including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, solidifying his presence in the saxophone and brass communities. As an educator, he conducts a range of ensembles globally and teaches private composition and music theory. Currently residing in Jackson, MI, he shares his life with his wife, son, and three dogs, Pesto, Basil, and Olive. https://hassmusic.com/

Chris' work will be a brief fanfare for large woodwind orchestra, approximately 2.5 minutes in length, and intermediate-advanced in difficulty. The inspiration for the work is an exploration of the themes of the different rivers of Hades, or the Inferno (Styx, Lethe, Acheron, Phlegethon, Cocytus), hence the title "Infernal Waters".

The works will be delivered to the MTWO and consortium members no later than the first week of February, 2025; the MTWO reserves the right to the world premiere in April of 2025, after which consortium members will have exclusive performance rights for 6 months. Visit www.midtnwoodwindorchestra.com for more information about the MTWO.