The Arkansas Symphony will give the premiere performances of D.J. Sparr’s new Concerto for Jazz Guitar on April 9 and 10, with Ted Ludwig as soloist. Writing for guitar often stymies composers, but Sparr is unique in that he himself is an excellent guitarist who has premiered many new works, including Michael Daugherty’s Gee’s Bend. […]
D.J. Sparr
Momenta Quartet premieres Sparr AVALOCH
D.J. Sparr’s new string quartet, Avaloch, was given it’s premiere by the Momenta Quartet at the Tenri Cultural Institue. New York Classical Review’s George Grelia reported: “Avaloch set the aesthetic tone for the entire concert, the unique sound of American homespun experimentation, free of ideology and full of curiosity. The piece revolves around an agitated, […]
Sparr Houston Grand Opera Premiere
On This Muddy Water: Voices from the Houston Ship Channel Wednesday, December 10, 5:30 p.m. Tudor Gallery, Julia Ideson Library 550 McKinney Street, Houston HGOco presents the world premiere of On This Muddy Water: Voices from the Houston Ship Channel by D. J. Sparr and Janine Joseph—a 30-minute song cycle for voices and chamber ensemble […]
Electric Guitar and Orchestra?
Think the electric guitar is just for rock bands and teenagers in garages? D.J. Sparr begs to differ. As a composer and guitarist, he’s changing the landscape. Symphony Magazine has more…
D.J. Sparr: Playing Well With Others
NewMusicBox’s Alexandra Gardner writes about D.J. Sparr’s dual career as a composer and guitarist. Click here to read the piece.
Approaching Ali debuts at Washington National Opera
In two premiere performances, composer D.J. Sparr and librettists Mark Campbell and Davis Miller‘s hour-long opera tells the story of a reporter’s transformative meeting with the boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Approaching Ali features Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Soloman Howard (Joe in Show Boat) as Muhammad Ali, David Kravitz as Davis Miller, Aundi Marie Moore as Odessa […]
California Symphony debuts D.J. Sparr’s Violet Bond: Concert-Overture
California Symphony’s Young American Composer-in-Residence, D.J. Sparr, will debut his new work Violet Bond: Concert-Overture for Electric Guitar and Orchestra this May. His tenure as Composer-in-Residence was recently extended to three years because of his inspired commitment to the post. Walter Collins, Executive Director of the CA Symphony, says, “D.J. Sparr’s artistic vision for the […]
D.J. Sparr to be Composer-in-Residence with the California Symphony
On the eve of its 25th anniversary season, the California Symphony has announced the selection of D. J. Sparr as its new Young American Composer-in-Residence. The critically acclaimed California Symphony’s YACR program will give this young American composer an opportunity to work with a professional orchestra in a two-year residency during which the Symphony commissions […]
D.J. Sparr receives CAP Grant
D.J. SPARR has received a prestitious Composer Assistance Program Recording grant to for his first professional recording of his chamber music works, to be released on Centaur Records with New Music Raleigh, Hexnut Ensemble, Karen Galvin and the composer performing.
Washington National Opera commissions D.J. Sparr
American Opera Initiative Composer D.J. Sparr and librettist Davis Miller will premiere The Tao of Muhammad Ali (A Ghost Story) in June 2013 in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. This original hour-long opera tells the story of a reporter’s transformative meeting with the boxing legend Muhammad Ali. The Tao of Muhammad Ali (A Ghost Story) […]
