news
MoonFall Named Top Classical Event of 2024 by KMFA
KMFA have included Sam's ballet MoonFall as one of top 12 Austin classical events of 2024, praising the score as "powerful, mysterious, evocative, producing an extraordinary artistic acheivement (that) exceeded all expectations." Thank you KMFA for the kind words! Full article here
Sam hired to score The Salamander King
Sam's been hired to score upcoming Austin comedy The Salamander King, local celeb turned director Austin Nichol's first film (One Tree Hill, Walking Dead). The film is a hilarious and touching look as a band of bumbling Austinites rally to save Austin's beloved MUNY golf course from the snatching hands of greedy Tech Bro invaders. Look for this film on the festival scene in early 2025.
Sam to score new Documentary 'Night in West Texas'
Sam's been hired to score Deb Esquenazi's forthcoming documentary "Night In West Texas" which follows the harrowing journey of Harry James Reyos through the rigged trial and prison sentence in Odessa Texas. Sam will collaborate with pop star Akacita and Austin's own Invoke string quartet on the project. Watch for release in early 2025 festival circuit.
New recording with Ephraim Owens and INVOKE Quartet
Sam has penned new music to score upcoming PBS documentary on his symphony work Cradled By Grace with the Austin Symphony. The tunes are an expermental combination of simple vibey grooves for string quartet with Ephraim Owens floating over the top. These tunes will be used in the score of the film. They will also be available for limited release after the film debuts in 2025.
Cradled By Grace goes official
Sam hands over the Cradled By Grace score to the Austin Symphony Orchestra. Rehearsals will begin in the new year, and we're really excited for the premiere in February 21st 2025. Look for multiple channels of promotion around this event. Rumors swirl about PBS interest in shooting a nationally distributed documentary around the work.
Violet Crown - a New Work with world famous soprano Hila Plittmann and Poet Laureate Carrie Fountain
Sam has begun work on an exciting new collaboration, a series of songs for symphony orchestra and soprano, featuring multiple grammy-winning Hila Plittmann, and Texas' Poet Laureate Carrie Fountain. The work, currently titled Violet Crown will take inspiraiton from the city of Austin and will be searching for an orchestral premiere in 2025. Sam is beyond thrilled to be working in this star-studded lineup.
Sam to star in upcoming PBS Documentary
A documentary produced by local filmmaker Vanessa Reiser in conjunction with the Austin Symphony Orchestra is currently in production. The film will document the making of Sam's trumpet concerto Cradled By Grace featuring Ephraim Owens.
MoonFall Ballet gets 5 Star - Review
CTX Live Theater have published a stellar review of MoonFall, claiming that MoonFall compares favorably with the better-funded Ballet Austin production of POE: A Tale of Madness, and Ballet Austin II’s Maria and the Mouse Deer." Wow - thanks David Robinson for your kind words! Read the whole review here.
MoonFall Ballet Sold Out 2-week run
Sam's first ballet MoonFall enjoyed a sold-out run this April. Thanks to awesome collaboration with RedNightFall Dance Theater and Density512, this immersive show made a big impact in the Austin arts scene . Reviews forthcoming.
Sam Conducts New Filmscore
Sam recently orchestrated and conducted Hanan Townshend's haunting film score for forthcoming untitled film. The score featured a variety of outside-the-box techniques for choir, including whispering, ASMR and larynx shaking. The film will come out in August 2024. Look for it! More info here
Cradled By Grace
Sam is thrilled to have been commissioned by the Austin Symphony Orchestra to compose a full length trumpet concerto for Austin's favourite trumpeter, Mr. Ephraim Owens. Cradled By Grace will premiere February 2025, and will celebrate jazz, blues and historically Black music from Austin Texas. It will be formed from the musical partnership between Ephraim and Sam, who have been performing together for over 20 years, in the Ephraim Owens Quintet. More info here
MoonFall - A New Ballet by Sam Lipman
Sam has been commissioned by Austin's favourite new music collective Density512 to compose a full length ballet. Sam has written the story and music to MoonFall, which will premiere in May 2024. MoonFall is a new immersive and interactive mythic fantasy ballet that explores desire, climate change, community, and our relationship with the cosmos. At times poignant and at others delightful, MoonFall tells a story of the Sun and Moon's dualistic orbit and the humans whose movements push and pull on their natural world. It will feature the fabulous choreography of RedNightfall Productions and design by the fabulous Yuliya Lanina. MoonFall is scored for 13 musicians and 12 dancers. More info here.
Mapping And Glaciers
Sam's latest work, a 45 minute dance work for String Quartet was recently recorded at Austin's @KMFA Classical 89.5 Maylen Drayson Studio, mixed by Dave Boyle at ChurchHouse Studios. The work premieres at Houston's MATCH Center September 14th thru 21st. Book your tickets soon, as this space will sell out quickly. Also look for an official album release of this recording in the fall.
CYST Soundtrack
Sam's most recent soundtrack, to the cult horror film CYST goes live to all platforms including iTunes and Spotify on July 29th, which happens to be Bernard Herrmann's birthday. Be sure to pick up what critics are calling "a phantasmagorical whirlwind thriller of a soundtrack!"
New Work 'Call To Arms' featured on Budapest Scoring Orchestra's Instagram
Sam's recent work 'Call To Arms' recorded by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra is currently featured on their instagram page. Check out the track here
Laurence Pike's New Album (title TBA)
What a blast to get to arrange and conduct the choir on best buddy Laurence Pike's latest record. We were lucky to have Sydney's Philharmonia Choir VOX, as well as record in Phoenix Central Park's Church Space. Can't wait for this record to come out
Hijacked!! Sydney String Sessions
It was a party at JackLadder's official release of 5th album Hijacked at Sydney Recital Center, featuring Lipman's extensive string arrangements, rounding out an amazing show
AFI Collaboration
Prestigious Hollywood institution American Film Institute (AFI) have reached out to Sam to pilot a brand new initiative at UT - a collaborative course between his film score students and the film making fellows at AFI. The program will culminate in three short films premiering in Fall 2022. Stay tuned!
Glaciers And Mappings
Sam is thrilled to kick off the new year with a commission from University of Houston's Head of Dance Department Karen Stokes, on her ballet Glaciers And Mappings. It's a work that explores the looming climate crisis, and how international community can rise to the occasion. The work will premiere in September 2022.
Fathom
Happy for the debut at Tribeca Film Festival of Fathom, by Drew Xanthopolous, out on Apple TV - a documentary exploring 2 scientists pursuits of Whale communications. Sam collaborated with fellow composer Hanan Townshend to create huge orchestrations with Budapest Scoring Orchestra. Check it out!
See You Now
Sam is excited to have been commissioned the scoring of Johnson & Johnson's flagship Podcast See You Now. This work, featured on main website of the health giant, is a series of interviews with Health Professionals on the front-lines of COVID and their amazing tales of survival. Check it out here
Gefilte Fish
Sam is thrilled to release collaboration with renowned Austin artist Yuliya Lanina, on her Fullbright-funded short film Gefilte Fish - a film exploring childhood under the shadow of Holocaust generation. Sam's score is entirely electronic, exploring chamber music of 1940s Eastern Europe. Look for the film's release in the coming months. Read more...
Hijacked!! - New work for Rock Band Jack Ladder
Critics are loving Sam's work for string octet on 'Hijacked' a rock album by Australian band Jack Ladder, on Endless Recordings. See reviews here - Guardian. Rollingstone Stack Eminetra Listen here.
TASMAN launched! A new collaboration with Sam and Hanan Townshend
Sam is thrilled to have joined forces with Kiwi composer Hanan Townshend, to create joint venture 'Tasman' where they will co-produce high end media music with the Budapest Scoring Orchestra. Tasman just signed with Marmoset Music. Check their first release at www.marmosetmusic.com/artists/tasman
Sam to Orchestrate Julio Quintana's Blue Miracle
Sam is thrilled to be working with composer Hanan Townshend and the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, where he will be heading up the orchestration duties for Julio Quintana's forthcoming release - which went on to number 3 on Netflix!
A Thousand Cuts score gets glowing review in Variety Magazine
Sam got a nod from the folks at Variety Magazine for his score to Ramona Diaz' soon-to-be-released documentary A Thousand Cuts, hailing "Lipman's Intriguing score, seedy buzz, dystopian sci-fi, nervy, noirish sheen." The full review can be read here.
Sam Commissioned a Memorial Of Jane Sibley
Sam is thrilled to have been commissioned a work for Cello and Piano by the Amatius Foundation. The work will be performed by renowned cellist Hai Zhang-Olevsky, and premiere at the Georgetown Festival of the Arts in June 2020. The work will commemorate Mrs. Jane Sibley, CEO of The Austin Symphony for over twenty years, and Austin's most beloved patron of the arts. The work takes its title of Pluma del Aura from the buzzard feather that Jane wore in her hairstyle for all those years, and takes musical themes of resilience and fortitude from Jane's biopic Jane's Window.
Sam Commissioned for International Duo Symposium
Sam is excited to have been commissioned by RotoЯ Brass, twins Joe Cooper (Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Oklahoma University) and Zach Cooper (Assistant Professor of Horn, University of Montana) for their upcoming performance at The International Duo Symposium at The University of Montana, March 28th. The piece will riff heavily on the Cooper twins being, well identical twins - with instrument swapping, and will leave the audience guessing who is who!
Sam to Compose Score to 'Cyst'
Sam is excited to have signed on with director Tyler Russell to score his forthcoming horror film 'Cyst' starring George Hardy and Eva Habermann
Sam to sign with LA Agency Aporia Entertainment
Sam is excited to be joining fellow composer Harlan Hodges under the leadership of Industry Veteran Helen Nightengale at Los Angeles talent agency Aporia Entertainment.
Sam at SXSW 2020
Sam will be appearing at this year's SXSW's, both at the screening of A Thousand Cuts, as well as indie event 20x2.
Sam to sign with LA's South Music Production House
Sam has signed with LA Based music production crew South Music, where he will collaborate on national TV commercial content
Sam to teach Brand New Film Scoring Course at Butler School Of Music
Sam has accepted a Professorship at Butler School of Music, starting Fall 2020 where he will be creating and teaching his own Film Scoring course, in connection with UT's Radio Television Film, and Audio and Entertainment Technologies Departments.
A Thousand Cuts at SXSW
After a powerful premiere at Sundance Film Festival, we're excited to announce that Ramona Diaz' A Thousand Cuts will be featured at this year's SXSW festival, where Sam will be appearing to speak about his work on the film.
Sam to be featured Sundance ASCAP Composer
Sam will be a featured ASCAP composer at this year's Sundance film festival, at the ASCAP Cafe, alongside such greats as Hans Zimmer, Nico Muhly and St. Vincent.
Sam to score Ramona Diaz' "A Thousand Cuts"
Sam has signed on with filmmaker Ramona Diaz to score her upcoming documentary A Thousand Cuts, a close look at the tightening political scene and growing authoritarianism in Manila, Philippines. The film centers around Maria Ressa and her famed News Outlet Rappler as they find themselves increasingly under government threat. The film features George and Amal Clooney, and will premiere in the exclusive US Documentary category at this January's Sundance Film Festival.
Sam wins 2019 Austin Critics Table Award
Sam is thrilled to have won the Austin Critics Table Award for Best Sound, for his score to Dan Caffrey's Matawan. For this score Sam designed a 17.2 surround system installed in UT's Payne Theater, including speakers under seats to simulate an underwater shark world. He's grateful for assistance from Carolina Perez, Jake Stein, Maylissa Quiles.
New Work 'Tree Of Life' to premiere in Carnegie Hall in March '19
Sam is delighted to have been commissioned by cellist Paul Olefsky's Amatius Foundation to compose a new choral work, to premiere in NY's Carnegie Hall on March 10th. He's especially delighted that his wife Kendra Lipman will be conducting. Titled 'Tree of Life,' the work will be heard for the first time at the nation's annual National Youth Choir concert. The text was co-written by Sam and his great uncle Zenon, and is based on the experiences of a holocaust survival. The work is dedicated to the victims of the recent Pittsburg shooting. Sam is also commissioned as part of the same deal a new cello sonata, due later in the year.
Sam begins teaching Screen Scoring at UT's new School of Design
This spring Sam joins the faculty in the Arts and Entertainment Technologies Department where he'll be coaching future film and game scorers into their first projects, as Professor of Screen Scoring. Sam is excited to share his experience, and is thrilled to be a part of UT's newest, and most promising and in-demand department.
Sam to co-score Richard Linklater's Where'd You Go Bernadette
Sam has been commissioned to compose the Documentary Music for Richard Linklater's most recent feature film Where'd You Go Bernadette for Annapurna Pictures. The film features Cate Blanchett, Laurence Fishburne, and will premiere in March 2019. Sam is thrilled to be working with industry icons editor Sandra Adair and composer Graham Reynolds.
Sam on KUT's Views and Brews
This Tuesday 6pm Sam will be talking sound design on KUT's Views and Brews live podcast from Cactus Cafe, with Carolina Perez and Rebecca S McInroy. We'll be discussing my latest creation, sound design for Dan Caffrey's coming play Matawan, featuring a 28-speaker immersive installation. Hope to see you there!
Sam to join Deb Esquenazi's new Production Company Myth Of Monsters
Sam is thrilled to be working with Southwest of Salem producer/director Deb Esquenazi in her newest venture, Myth of Monsters, a production company focussed on women of color and LGBTQ Projects. Current collaborations include a short film addressing harsh realities in a US refugee camp.
Harp Quartet No. 1 Premiere
Sam's first Harp Quartet, commissioned in April by UT Professor of Harp, Delaine Leonard, will premiere this December in San Antonio's TMEA convention.
Sam signs with Sydney Production Agency Melodie
Sam recently accepted invitation from Sydney Placement Agency melod.ie. The partnership will place Sam's work into Sydney broadcast content, everything from advertising, film, tv and radio. Sam is excited to be expanding business into his home town of Sydney.
Charles and the Duke
Sam recently wrapped on scoring short comedy feature Charles and the Duke, by Austin filmmaker Mike Dolan. The film chronicles the unlikely but true story of a pair of seasoned travelers dealing with a small town police altercation. Mike directed Dance with the One and has written, produced and directed many other films. Charles will likely premiere at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
Blanton Museum commissions 'Boodjara' - a three movement work for Yidaki, Cello and Violin
Austin's Blanton Museum has commissioned Sam to compose a work for Yidaki (Didgeridoo), Cello and Violin to commemorate the opening of their exhibition: Ancestral Modern: Australian Aboriginal Art from the Kaplan & Levi Collection. Boodjara (My Country) is largely inspired by the significance of water, animals, and family in aboriginal artwork. It also holds significance for Sam who hails from Sydney. Boodjara's yidakyi part will be performed by award-winning world musician Eliot Stone.
New Commission for UT Harp Ensemble
UT Professor of Harp, Delaine Leonard, has commissioned Sam for a three movement work for UT's Harp Ensemble, to premiere in the fall. Stay tuned for the date. Professor Leonard was inspired when she 'had the opportunity to collaborate with Professor Lipman on the UT Department of Theater and Dance's premiere production of the narrative ballet "Crone" and was immediately drawn to his work. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to add music from this young, award-winning composer to our repertoire."
Texas Cotton
Sam has recently composed and produced a full soundtrack to coming feature film "Texas Cotton." This mystery thriller set in southwest Texas will debut in the fall, and feature a music-rich soundtrack, including songs by Mike and the Moonpies and Colter Wall. You can purchase the soundtrack here.
New theater score commission: Matawan
Sam has been commissioned to compose a full score including music and underscore for coming production of Matawan, a play by Dan Caffrey about the New Jersey shark attacks of 1915 that inspired the film Jaws. Sam's score will feature an immersive 30-speaker array that simulates ocean and beach sounds under the theater seats. Listen to samples here.
Sam chosen for Tetractys Composer's Portrait
Austin's Tetractys New Music has chosen Sam as their featured Composer for their 2nd annual Composer's Portrait concert, and will feature 6 of Sam's recent works in concert this month at the trendy new soundspace - 4th Tap. In preparation, Sam has revised his award-winning song Homecoming for soprano Abigail Jackson. Amongst other works Sam will be playing a jazz set with his trio featuring Chris Maresh (bass) and Brannen Temple (drums), and present three recent movie scores. News Story here
Sam to compose score for UT's Production of Enron
Sam has been commissioned to compose score material for the coming production of Lucy Prebble's ENRON at UT Theater. This is an exciting opportunity to work with multi-media, featuring underscore as well as an all-female barbershop quartet. More info here
CRONE the Ballet to Premiere at UT's Fall for Dance Festival
Sam will conduct the premiere of Crone the ballet at UT's Payne Theater in November for 9 shows. The orchestra will be prismatx ensemble, a 25-piece Austin group. CRONE will feature live projections, an in-depth lighting scheme, and a cast of 15 of UT's best dancers. More info here.
Sam joins Faculty at University of Texas
Sam is thrilled to have been hired as full-time faculty Composer-in-Residence at UT's Department of Theater and Dance, where he will head up the scoring of theater and dance Programs, teach basic music theory to students and faculty, and head a small staff of accompanists. He's very happy to continue to work at such an excellent facility as UT. Stay tuned for program announcements, starting with the Premiere of his 30-minute orchestral ballet CRONE in November.
Song of the Bhagavan to be performed by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
Sam's 8-minute work for orchestra, Song of the Bhagavan recently won distinguished Edward J. Cone Scholarship prize. This summer Sam will spend a week at Princeton University under the guidance of renowned musicians composer Stephen Mackey and conductor JoAnn Falletta, preparing the work for performance by the NJSO on Friday July 15th as well as receiving a week of career-development opportunities with publishing-industry leaders.
Sam wins Kerrville Songwriters Contest
Sam has won a top spot in the knockout round of the Kerrville University Songwriters Contest and will be performing a set of originals at Kerrville Folk Festival on Friday May 26th at 3.30 pm on the Threadgill Stage. He will be releasing an EP of unpublished songs.
Orchestral Score for ATASH
Sam has been commissioned by multiple-award-winning world music group ATASH to compose a full orchestral score a song 'Seven' for their forthcoming album. As a long-time huge fan of the group, Sam is very excited about this. Stay tuned for more information!
"Homecoming" for Baritone and Piano wins 1st place in the 2017 New American Voices Call for Scores UT Division
'Homecoming', an aria to Austin, TX where Sam and family reside, and the third movement of Sam's 'Migrations,' has made it to the finalist round of Tony Boutté's New American Voices contest. It will be performed in concert this spring, time and location TBA, and if it wins, will be performed on a concert at the National Opera Center Recital Hall in New York. Stay tuned!
Sam commissioned for Orchestral Soundtrack CRONE - a new Ballet/VR Film experience
Sam is slated to compose a thirty-minute orchestral score for Austin ballet mastermind Dorothy Overbey's coming production CRONE. It will premiere this March 17th in Bates Concert Hall during SXSW, performed by Austin's newest and awesomest contemporary ensemble Prismatx. The recording will be used as soundtrack for Dorothy's film, which will release later this year in exciting new Virtual Reality platform. Please go to www.rednightfallproductions.com for more information.
New Commission - Birds of Paradise - Two Etudes for Soprano Saxophone
Sam has been commissioned by Shawna Pennock of the University of Georgia, Athens to compose a new work for soprano saxophone. It will be part of a suite of etudes she is curating for students aimed at learning new extended techniques. Birds will feature multi-phonics, quarter-tones, vocalizing, and lots of other fun stuff. More info here.
Kiss Me Goodnight makes OSCARS shortlist!!
Sam's composition for closing credits from Southwest of Salem, "Kiss Me Goodnight" has made the shortlist against 90 other works for the 2017 Oscars. Official nominations will be published Jan 24. Stay tuned!
Sam to Compose Soundtrack to Forthcoming Full Feature "GLOW"
Sam has signed with Director/Producer Andrew Allen to compose the soundtrack for his forthcoming epic film "Glow." This multiple-protagonist drama will feature a hybrid electronic/symphonic score along with songs by FatBoy Slim and Jamie XX. Glow will release locally in the summer. Stay tuned...
Southwest Of Salem Reaches One Million Viewers
Sat Oct 15th broadcast of Sam's filmscore to Southwest of Salem on Investigation Discovery Channel reached around one million viewers, breaking records for the channel, (and Sam too). An encore presentation goes out Sunday Oct 30th from 10 am - 12pm, or watch on demand at www.idgo.com.
Quixosis Chosen by University Interscholastic League
Texas Music Education juggernaut UIL have chosen Sam's Tuba Sonata Quixosis to be added to the official list of approved examination pieces, a Class 1 Tuba Recital Work. Tubists: pick up your copy here!
Pittsburg New Music Ensemble plays Exodus
Prestigious quintet the Pittsburg New Music Ensemble recently recorded Sam's Exodus on their visit to Texas under the direction of Kevin Noe, featuring the gorgeous Bass-Baritone of Timothy Jones. Exodus is the first of three songs in Sam's forthcoming Song Cycle, Migrations - a setting of three of Sam's poems, for Pierrot ensemble and Bass Baritone, and will premiere on November 3rd at Bates.
Sam interviewed by Filmscore Monthly
Read Sam's recently published interview about the making of the soundtrack of award-winning documentary Southwest of Salem.
Sam returns to ACL
For the fourth year in a row, Sam will be a featured performer at Austin City Limits Festival this October. Find him every day of the festival on the VIP area stage for solo and duet performances.
Quixosis goes on the road
UT's Head of Brass Charles Villarubia will has chosen Quixosis to be the central feature of his forthcoming tour of Texas and Louisiana. He is very excited about the piece, and for Austinites it will be performed soon at UT. Stay tuned for dates. Pick up your copy here
Southwest Of Salem - Premiere
Deb Esquenazi's groundbreaking documentary has now won over 12 prestigious awards from around the world. It will be premiering in theaters everywhere this September. Chere here for screenings!
Tokenized
Sam recently completed the commissioned score to this twenty minute film about life as a token minority cast member. Produced by Marcelo Telón for Creative Action, and co-sponsored by Alamo Drafthouse. To premiere at Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, May 24th at 7pm.
'A Few Sheets' to kick off UT's Ears Eyes and Feet Festival
A Few Sheets To The Wind, commissioned by Charlie Magnone will be opening the Ears Eyes and Feet Festival at UT's Winship building this spring. It will feature five dancers, choreographed by Aminah Maddox and Camille Collins, with live piano performance by Charlie, video production by David Molina, and 8-channel surround electronic media. Not to be missed!
A Few Sheets To The Wind
Charlie Magnone premieres an eight-minute work he recently commissioned from Sam, involving inside-the-piano techniques orchestrated with live electronic accompaniment. He will perform the work as part of his DMA Final Lecture Recital at UT Austin Wednesday Apr 27 7.30pm, along with George Crumb's 5 Pieces For Piano. We're thrilled. Video/audio forthcoming.
"Southwest of Salem" to Premiere at TriBeCa Film Festival
Southwest of Salem, a full-feature documentary Sam was commissioned to score Sept 2015 will make its World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival this Spring. Sam is really excited to have worked on this story which follows the wrongful incarceration and eventual release thirteen years later of four women by the crooked Texas Justice System. Sam will be attending the NYC premiere and the film will go on to be a major feature at several festivals around the continent.
20x2 SXSW
Sam's thrilled to have been invited back to speak at SXSW Interactive Event, "20x2" this March. Amongst 19 other victims, he will try to explain composing in two minutes. This is an awesome, hilarious, heart-breaking event, not to miss! http://www.20x2.org
New Film Score Commission
Sam was recently commissioned to score a documentary based in Queens, NYC. Details can't be released yet, but click here for a sneak preview.
Sam To Tour Austria
Sam is excited to have been chosen as accompanist for St. Stephens Madrigal Singers to perform with them in Vienna and Salzburg in the coming month. They will perform works by Morton Lauridsen, Haydn, Schubert and more.
New Works to feature at UT Opening Ceremony
Eight tracks of Sam's Electronic Ambient issue have been chosen to represent the best of UT at the opening of the brand new Center for Arts and Electronic Entertainment Technologies. Released in quadrophonic four-channel sound. Click here to listen.
Quixosis - A New Work for Tuba and Piano
Sam has recently finished new work "Quixosis", a Tuba sonata commissioned by Franklin Piland in the fall of 2015. The work is loosely based around the well-known Cervantes masterpiece Don Quixote, and will premiere at University of Texas this coming April 5th.
Coming Premiere: Themes From an Imaginary Film
Sam's "Themes From An Imaginary Film," a new work for Symphony Orchestra, has been chosen by the Texas ECHO Symphony Orchestra to be performed at Bates Recital Hall for their coming spring concert this May. Video and recording will be forthcoming - stay tuned!
Chiaroscuro - New Work Premiered
"Chiaroscuro", which literally means light-dark, is a clarinet sonata that was commissioned by Nick Galuban in the fall of 2015. It recently enjoyed an exciting premiere on February 26th, performed by Nick and Charlie Magnone on piano to a rousing ovation at the University of Texas. Click here for audio, or here for video of the performance.
Sam's Soundtrack on PBS
WAKE UP, DEAD MEN: A Retrospective of Bruce Jackson’s Prison Farm Photography, 1965-1975, airing on PBS on Oct. 1, showcases Jackson’s photography tracing the roots of the prison farm into today’s massive prison system and industrial prison complexes. The short film, with Sam's soundtrack, will be available online here through March 2016.
Full Feature Filmscore TBA
Commissioned for yet-to-be-disclosed full-feature film, which will be submitted for 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Details announced later this month - watch this space
Four New Commissions
Sam has received commissions by four different artists this fall for concert works that will premiere in the spring, including works for Tuba, Clarinet, Trumpet and Wind Ensemble, Electronic media, Piano and Dancers. More to follow...
Temple Underground Live at Strange Brew gets 41/2 stars on DownBeat magazine
Recently recorded live show at Strange Brew Austin, with Sam playing tenor saxophone, made its way into the NY offices of DownBeat magazine, where it won a top score of 4 1/2 stars!
Drawing Lines Austin
10 Districts. 10 Projects. 1 City. An artist-driven, community-based public project, commissioned in response to Austin's historic political transformation. Sam was commissioned to score Deb Esquenazi's short film suite. Read about it HERE
Equal Rights for All
One of three new soundtracks for GSD&M, a Public Service Announcement for The Human Rights Campaign, you can watch HERE: