Night Lights

Originally commissioned by harpist Michelle Lundy for the Beau Soir Ensemble (a Debussy trio of National Symphony Orchestra musicians), Night Lights is inspired by different sources of light at night. The arrangement for orchestra was specially created for the 2025 Minnesota Music Educators Association All-State Orchestra under the direction of conductor and new music advocate, Cullan Lucas.

The first movement features an evolving ostinato, swirling like fog beneath a dark, lyrical melody before giving way to a section of stark contrasts of twinkling light and lush, rich harmonies. The final section creates an even starker contrast between the swirling ostinato and melody, reaching the outer ranges of the orchestra as it fades into the distance.

In the second movement, woody effects, playfully-detailed percussion, and buzzing punctuations pulse in the background of a trumpet & English horn duo trading with pizzicato strings. This buggy-opening returns between moments of fantastical flying, and sparkling outbursts of lyricism. The orchestra is stripped down to a series of short, ornamental solos before returning to the opening motor of the opening, exploding into two opposing groups before slinking away.

The dancelike third movement lilts and breezes as each instrument group takes their turn with the unfurling melody and pulsing accompaniment - including the lowest voices of the ensemble and even a solo string quartet. Infectious joy lasts throughout the final movement, making the ending deeply resonate in its surprisingly quiet triumph in the last measures.