Random Road by Collin Kemeny (b. 1995) performed at the 13th Annual Colorado Composers Concert
Flute: Sonya Yeaker-Meeks
Clarinet: Brian Ebert
Violin: Sarah Whitnah
Piano: Joshua Sawicki
Cello: Jake Saunders
Percussion: Rachel Hargroder
Conductor: Richard vonFoerster
Program Note
Random Road is the first piece to a suite that captures the composer’s nostalgia for his
old home. The inspiration comes from the rapid-patter effect created by cars driving along the bumpy-brick street named Random Road. Musically this translates to a rhythmic motor that drives the work. Though the bustling texture is an important component to the music, the intent is to capture four joyous years the composer spent in Cleveland and the regret he feels for not appreciating them until after they had passed.
Random Road
About the Artist
Collin Kemeny is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Composition at the Butler School of Music in Austin Texas where he studies with Yevgeniy Sharlat. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory from Case Western Reserve University, where he studied composition with Jeremy Allen and saxophone with Greg Banaszak, and a Master of Music in Composition at the University of Colorado – Boulder, where he studied with Carter Pann and John Drumheller. Collin received commissions by Reeds in Motions, North Coast Winds, Time Canvas Trio, Champlain College Gaming Studio, FiveOne Experimental Orchestra, Boulder Altitude Directive, Ajax String Quartet, Vorrh Ensemble, and others. He has earned awards and recognitions from the University of Texas Austin, University of Colorado Boulder, Case Western Reserve University, Playground Ensemble, Austin Chamber Music Center, and the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. Additionally, he held a fellowship at the Talis Festival and Academy in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and gave a lecture-recital at the Kellio High School in Helsinki, Finland. Outside of composing Collin is an avid hiker – often finding inspiration from nature and writes rhythmically-driven music demonstrating both harmonic and melodic influence from the Great American Songbook. To view more of his work, click below.
