Album out now: ‘For a Younger Self’
Today marks the release of the American Youth Symphony (AYS)’s album For a Younger Self. The album features the world premiere recording of Kris Bowers’ ‘For a Younger Self’ performed by GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Charles Yang and the American Youth Symphony, conducted by AYS Music Director (2016-2024) Carlos Izcaray.
Academy Award-winning composer, Bowers has composed scores for films including Green Book, King Richard, and The Color Purple, as well as television series including Bridgerton and Mrs America; this new work, commissioned by AYS, is his first concert work for orchestra.
Bowers shares, “the shape and sound of the piece began to unravel throughout the composition process. Having learned so much about storytelling as a film composer, I wanted to see if I could convey a narrative through the shape and pacing of this piece… Throughout my collaboration with Charles Yang, conversations led us to reminisce on our fledgling years at Juilliard and in NYC, and so, For a Younger Self is an effort to encapsulate the essence of a young hero’s journey – one where the protagonist, embodied by Charles and his violin, embarks upon the adventure of self-discovery amidst the challenges of young life in an unfamiliar space. Our aim is for listeners to be taken on an emotional journey, guided by Carlos Izcaray, the American Youth Symphony and the deft hands of our hero.”
The full work, paired with Schoenberg Chamber Symphony No. 1 is out now on Orchid Classics.
Further information (including tracklist, artist biographies and full sleeve notes).