TREELOGY

Three of today's most fascinating American composers, all with deep roots in California, have been commissioned by The Soraya to write music for the ferocious musicians of Delirium Musicum.

Each of the three original compositions of Treelogy is dedicated to one of the signature tree species that are living postcards of California. All were imperiled by the 2020 wild fires that consumed vast swaths of California and destroyed natural environments that had survived unassailed for thousands of years.

Soraya Director Thor Steingraber and Artist in Residence Etienne Gara joined forces with the three composers to deliver an artistic response that celebrates the beauty of these trees and alleviates the dread and helplessness we experience in the face of climate threats.

Billy Childs, a Grammy-winning artist, composed about the Giant Sequoias and joins Delirium Musicum in his piece that highlights his jazz background, playing the piano with his trio (piano, drums, and bass).

Steven Mackey, a Grammy-winning composer, portrays the Coastal Redwoods and joins Delirium Musicum on stage for his violin and electric guitar concerto. Steven Mackey on electric guitar and Etienne Gara on violin engage in a musical battle for the giant trees with hints of Led Zeppelin and Bartók, while being 100% Mackey.

Gabriella Smith, whose music takes us to Joshua Tree National Park, recorded the sounds of plucked barrel cacti, coyotes, and the surrounding nature, creating soundtracks that will mix with Delirium Musicum's performance on acoustic string instruments.

These pieces encompass the richness of both classical music and nature, with hints of different musical genres – jazz, rock, electronic music – while following a common thread, like the three acts of an opera. The music is viscerally human and takes the audience on a powerful and personal journey where nature, respect, and resilience hold a special place.