Discover
New Music Friday: Mythology Symphony: Orchestral Works by Stacy Garrop
On November 13, Cedille is excited to release Mythology Symphony: Orchestral Works by Stacy Garrop, featuring performances by the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. This is the first album devoted to orchestral music by Stacy Garrop, an American composer whose work exudes “vision and breadth” (Gramophone). It features world-premiere recordings of three works, including the spacious and cinematic Mythology Symphony. Characterized by Garrop’s signature lyricism and vivid storytelling, the five-movement symphony, inspired by female figures from Greek mythology, receives a vibrant and compelling performance by Billboard-charting international conductor Alondra de la Parra.
Peabody Conservatory-based conductor Markland Thakar conducts two Garrop works for chamber orchestra: the mythic Thunderwalker and Shadow, a moving interplay of counterpoint, shifting textures, and profound emotion. Garrop’s music “excites the enthusiasm of performers and audiences alike,” says the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. She has “a sharp ear for instrumental color and narrative form: She can tell a story” raves the Detroit Free Press.
If you enjoy this recording, please consider posting a review on its Amazon.com and/or iTunes product pages. This will help the CD appear higher in search results — giving Stacy Garrop’s artistry greater visibility. You also may have noticed that our recently re-launched website offers the ability to post reviews of our recordings for other Cedille patrons to read. I encourage you to share your thoughts there as well!
Recommended
Songs in Flight features world premiere recordings of Shawn E. Okpebholo’s complete song cycle for which the album is named, along with four additional art songs — one from each of his other song cycles — building upon the themes and messages of his work, performed by Grammy winning and-nominated artists known for their dedication to cultural and historical music projects.
Children’s Stories features world premieres of works based on beloved children’s literature by superstar classical composers Michael Abels (Frederick’s Fables for narrator and orchestra) and Augusta Read Thomas (Gwendolyn Brooks Settings for children’s choir and orchestra). Both pieces bring children’s literary narratives stunningly to life through music.
Newly updated for Black History Month 2025 and in honor of our February release, Chicago composer Shawn E. Okpbeholo’s Songs in Flight, our Black Composers on Cedille playlist now features albums from the past two years at the top. We’ll add tracks from the new one when it’s released on Feb. 14.
Enjoy 25% off Cedille’s Weekly Featured Release.