RHAPSODY ON A THEME BY JONI
BY ALLISON LOGGINS-HULL

CO-COMMISSIONED BY PSC AND THE BOSTON AND SEATTLE SYMPHONIES,
WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM EDMUND JACOBSEN AND SUSAN BLOOM

A NOTE FROM THE COMPOSER

Flutist and dear friend Alex Sopp sparked the initial conversation between myself and the chamber orchestra The Knights about creating a Rhapsody for Flute and Orchestra, set to premiere during the 100th anniversary season of Gershwinʼs Rhapsody in Blue.

Alex, who envisioned this partnership and will bring the piece to life at its premiere, has also been my muse throughout the compositional process. Not only is she one of the most extraordinary flutists of our time, she is also an exceptional singer and songwriter. Her voice and musicality often reminds me of the great Joni Mitchell, whose music has been a lifeline and a profound influence on me. With both Alex and Joni as personal inspirations, it was natural to channel their spirits into the vibrant and jubilant nature of a traditional rhapsody.

As the project grew, the Seattle Symphony and Boston Symphony joined as co-commissioners, adding even more excitement to this collaboration. With the onboarding of additional renown flutists and ensembles, I felt particularly inspired to nod to traditional styles and repertoire of virtuosic flute playing, while also leaning into modern and popular musical language, as Gershwin does in his Rhapsody in Blue.

Allison Loggins-Hull, 2024