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premiered by the Chapman University Wind Symphony, dir. Mathieu Girardet on March 8, 2025
Recently, I’ve started getting up earlier than I ever had in college. Perhaps it’s because I know my time as an undergrad is quickly ending, and I subconsciously want to make the most of it. Either way, it reminded me of something I’ve missed the most from my morning: a beautiful sunrise. But not just any sunrise. If you’re up at the crack of dawn often enough, you might get lucky and be treated to something special. The rich orange hues emanating from the sun complement the dormant indigo clouds.
I aim to capture that image in this piece. What starts out as mysterious and reserved gradually spreads into a warm, embracing quality. Throughout the work, the music shifts brighter, increasing in intensity as the sun radiates warmth and emerges from the horizon, though it is still hidden by the clouds.
My deepest gratitude to Prof. Mathieu Girardet for serving as the catalyst and vehicle for bringing this piece to life and for his unwavering support over the years.
Thomas Yamada
January 26, 2025