As part of the RFA’s mission to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of the flute, it has commissed several works to enhance the flute repertoire.
Five Joys: Gitanjali Dances by Cary Ratcliff - Flute and Piano World premiere September 30, 2005 at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester. Performed by guest artist Joanna Bassett, flute and Cary Ratcliff, piano. Joint commission with Joanna Bassett and the RFA in celebration of the organization’s 10th anniversary.
Wind Dance by Todd Coleman - Flute Choir and Percussion World premiere March 23, 2000 at Penfield High School, Penfield, New York. Performed by Penfield Central Schools flutists Kyleen Ayer, Emily Carlson, Beth Heiss, Stefanie Herbert, Erin Hunt, Lauren Merinsky, Theresa Moehle, Andrea Waldman, Kate VanGraafieland, Chrissie Vicker and Danielle Zimmerman, percussionists Evan Davies and Steve Fowler, and RFA teachers Joanna Bassett, Rita George-Simmons, Annette Farrington, and Sally Turner under the direction of Penfield High School teacher Jim Doser. Joint commission with the Penfield Music Commission Project and the Brannen-Cooper Fund. It is available from Falls House Press, Post Office Box 7121, Nashua, NH 03060-7121, Ph: (800) 304-0096.
Jaunt by Robert Cronin - Flute Sextet World premiere March 8, 1998 at Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York. Performed by Penfield High School flutists Laramy Enders, Beth Heiss, and Erin Hunt and RPO flutists Jan Angus, Joanna Bassett and Rebecca Gilbert. Joint commission with the Penfield Music Commission Project, the Eastman School of Music and the Brannen-Cooper Fund.
The Lark In The Clear Air by Cary Ratcliff - Flute Choir World premiere July 15, 2011, at RFA-Hochstein Flute Camp Concert, Hochstein School of Music & Dance, Rochester, New York. Commissioned to provide accessible flute choir music for our student population and to add to the RFA Flute Choir repertoire, this short piece is a modern setting based on an existing Irish folk song. The first performance by the Camp’s Taffanel Choir (8th-10th graders) was conducted by Jeanine Beahan. The music is scored for 3 C flutes and alto flute, with optional C flute replacing or doubling the 4th part. Score and parts are available in the RFA Flute Choir library.
