Flute ensemble premieres three new works at Slippery Rock University
This year’s Slippery Rock University Honors Flute Ensemble concert highlighted newly commissioned music that expanded the possibilities of the flute ensemble, including works incorporating electronics and found percussion instruments.
The flute ensemble performed on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the university, bringing together outstanding flutists from across the region for an intensive musical performance experience.
Directed by Cassandra Eisenreich, associate professor of flute and music education at SRU, the ensemble featured the premiere of “Entre Tempos” by composer Federico Bonacossa, written for two solo flutes, flute ensemble and electronics. The work featured soloists Melissa Keeling and Sarah Steranka and explored the idea of shifting experiences of time through rhythmically driven passages and lyrical contrasts. Frequent meter changes and tempo relationships created a sense of motion and transformation, while subtle influences from rock, blues, Brazilian music and Debussy provided stylistic variety. The electronics added an additional sonic dimension, creating a rich and immersive soundscape. “Entre Tempos” explores largely uncharted territory for flute ensemble, Eisenreich said in an email.
Another premiere was of “… Still we Lean” by composer Erin Spencer, which explored the universal human experience of longing and connection. The piece opens with an improvised section in which individual players explore independent musical ideas, evoking feelings of isolation and searching. The music gradually builds toward moments of unity, reflecting the shared human desire to belong. The work moves through contrasting emotions of sadness, urgency and hope, ultimately closing with a quiet affirmation that even unfulfilled desires can guide us toward a more meaningful life.
The concert also featured the premiere of “Kitchen Kalypso” by local composer Greg Lutz, a playful and imaginative work combining flute performance with kitchen percussion. Inspired by the sounds and rhythms of calypso music, the piece transforms everyday cookware into musical instruments, creating what Lutz describes as a “tropical tableware paradise.” Performers alternated between flute and percussion, producing lively rhythms and colorful textures that delighted the audience.
By commissioning and performing original works, the SRU Honors Flute Ensemble continues to expand the repertoire for flute ensemble while providing meaningful artistic experiences for student performers and audiences alike, Eisenreich said.
Skyla Peltzman, a music therapy major at SRU, said the ensemble gives high schoolers, college students and alumni the opportunity to learn and perform.
“The Honors Flute Ensemble has been such an amazing experience to be a part of the past three years as a high schooler and an SRU Flute Studio member,” Peltzman said. “It is so incredible to have the opportunity to participate in interactive master classes, watch live performances of various guest artists, work with known composers and to rehearse under the direction of the amazing Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich.”
Taylor Pastore, a music education member, agreed.
“The Honors Flute Ensemble at SRU is a vibrant community where flutists from diverse genres, styles and philosophies come together to inspire one another,” she said. “The connections I’ve made have broadened my worldview and strengthened me both as a musician and as a person.”
