MIRRORIMAGE HORN DUO

• Laurence Lowe: The Hunt - II. The Chase

“[a] fine horn duo...”

Kilpatrick, American Record Guide [January/February 2017]

“The horn duo called MirrorImage certainly displays plenty of virtuosity on a new MSR Classics recording called On Safari, and there is a pleasant lightness and humor to the whole production … very fine playing throughout...showcasing the performers’ virtuosic abilities.”

Mark J. Estren, InfoDad [April 2016]

“The performances certainly are excellent… an ingenious recording”

Charles Pope Jr., ConcertoNet [April 2016]

MirrorImage horn duo is pleased to present this new music for two horns and piano. The works on this disc were (with one exception) commissioned by MirrorImage and with a central theme: Safari. This bold experiment in thematic commissioning has resulted in a variety of new repertoire. Some composers chose to write about animals, and others about journeys that take place in various
and interesting ways—from a human hunt to spiritual ascension. Let’s go!

MirrorImage, the acclaimed horn duo of Lisa Bontrager and Michelle Stebleton, maintains an active international performance schedule. Multifaceted musicians and professional teachers, Bontrager and Stebleton formed MirrorImage to offer versatile horn music programming in solo, chamber and educational settings. Through their efforts, they have performed recitals throughout the United States, Europe and South America, and double concerti with several orchestras.  Frequently the recipient of grants, MirrorImage has commissioned numerous works from leading composers. Their blended sound and performance style originated in the highly regarded Louis J. Stout horn studio, based at the School of Music of the University of Michigan.

Often described as a charismatic pianist, Tomoko Kanamaru has been performing as a versatile recitalist, concerto soloist and collaborative artist. Since her concerto debut with Savannah Symphony in December 2000, she has appeared with the Toledo Symphony, Binghamton Philharmonic, Middletown Symphony, Symphony of Southeast Texas and the Annapolis Symphony. Equally active in chamber music, Kanamaru has performed with the Philharmonic Quintet of New York and made guest appearances for the New York Philharmonic Ensembles at Merkin Hall. Kanamaru performed in the New York Chamber Music Festival for three seasons, including the September 11 Tenth Anniversary Commemorative Concert.

COMMISSIONS
International Horn Society, Meir Rimon Commissioning Assistance Grants
Penn State University Institute for the Arts and Humanities
Penn State University College of Arts and Architecture Faculty Research Grant

PUBLISHING
RM Williams Publishing [ www.rmwpublishing.com ]
Michael Daugherty Music [ www.michaeldaugherty.net ]
JOMAR Press [ www.jomarpress.com ]
LuisSzaran.org

Kortesmaki and Finke triple horns
Holton-Leblanc descant and MerkerMatic horns
Rauch double horn
Steinway Piano, model ‘D’ (Piano Technician: Gregory Herrold)
Old Wooden School Ruler (12-inch) JAMES NAIGUS (b. 1987)
JOURNEY’S CALL (2014)

MICHAEL DAUGHERTY (b. 1954)
PRAYER (2014)

MARK SCHULTZ (1957-2015)
UNEVEN GROUND - A Short Walk on Safari (2012)
Meerkats: bursting with activity
Elephants: a bit lumbering
Gazelles: leaping with grace
A Chimpanzee Interlude: with spunk and bounce
Zebras and Big Cats: frenzied

PAUL BASLER (b. 1963)
MAJALIWA “God willing, we will meet again” (2009)

LUIS SZARAN (b. 1953)
RASTROS - Por Los Senderos del Chaco (2011)
Guasu (Venado / Deer)
Tagua (Jabalí / Wild Boar)
Tatú (Armadillo)
Mborevi (Tapír)
Kurijú (Boa)

JAMES NAIGUS
REVERIE (2012)

LAURENCE LOWE (b. 1956)
Piano part edited by Tomoko Kanamaru
THE HUNT (2008)
Prelude
The Chase
The Aftermath

ENCORE
MAUREEN YOUNG (b. 1993)
IMPROVISATION (2014)



MSR Classics