Scuttlebutt - June 24

June 24, 2026

The 2nd performance of Daniel Bernard Roumain's amazing "America, to US" with the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra was a joy in every way--from the orchestra and conductor John Devlin to the wonderful Wheeling community who turned out to fill the house and support exciting new music. Looking forward to the NY Premiere with the American Composers Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in October!

I'm looking forward to playing at the Venice Biennale next week with Kamaal Malak on bass, Roy "Futureman" Wooten on percussion and Sam Alexandre on keys. We're collaborating with artist Maria Magdalena Compos-Pons, representing the US at the largest international art exhibition in the world.

On July 12, I'll be premiering a new orchestral program, A Salute to Jean Luc Ponty, with the Gateway Festival Orchestra in St. Louis, conducted by the brilliant Leon Burke. We'll be featuring 5 of electric violin pioneer Jean Luc's wonderful jazz compositions with the help of pianist Michael Silverman.

Jean Luc Ponty

Happy 91 to my dear friend, mentor and inspiration, Terry Riley! Looking forward to performing the US premiere of his Zephir violin concerto in August of 2027 at a major new music festival to be announced soon!