2021–2022
MUSIC@ EMORY
2021–2022
MUSIC@ EMORY
Rachel Ofotokun, composer Senior Recital
Saturday, April 2, 2022, 3:30 p.m. Performing Arts Studio | 1804 N. Decatur Road
Program and Composer Notes Sleep Synths Sleep Synths is an electronic piece inspired by sleep aid and relaxation videos commonly found online. The goal of this piece is to draw listeners into a mindful exploration of synthesizers and peace. Gold and Ripe Gold and Ripe is a duet originally written for violin and cello and adjusted for this performance for violin and viola. The piece calls upon vast, archaic environments of great, natural beauty and joy. Carol Xu, violin; Siji Osunkoya, viola Goddess Prelude Goddess Prelude was written in collaboration with Emory University Symphony Orchestra musicians and provides an electronic smattering of melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic motifs from the piece Au fond du temple saint by Georges Bizet. Its goal was to serve as an exciting and short prelude to the larger piece. Molly Ball, cello; Ji Won Lee, viola; Jane Farrell, oboe; Claudia Wahoski, flute; Amy Zhang, violin
beetle beetle is an electronic piece created in collaboration with dancer, choreographer, and fellow Emory senior, Emilio Zurita Ontiveros. The work is an exploration of sound, movement of the body, and how the two can mimic and interact with each other. Emilio Zurita Ontiveros, performer and choreographer Untitled for Alto and Tenor Saxophone This untitled piece was originally written in collaboration with saxophonists in Nuremburg, Germany, and details the emotional and physical journey Rachel took to Oghara, Nigeria, her father’s hometown during the summer of 2021. It features kola nuts, which hold significance in many West African countries and often represent fellowship, community, family, and blessings. The use of kola nuts in this piece represents the welcoming gestures that go along with the reunion of long-separated family members and also serve to bless any listener to this piece. Noah Greenfield, alto saxophone; Nat Trejo, tenor saxophone Something You Divide Something You Divide is another electronic piece and is also inspired by Rachel’s trip to Nigeria. The piece features a collection of conversations and stories recorded during her time there and it aims to contribute to the tradition of oral history in Oghara in a unique, new way. Rachel Ofotokun (b. 2000) is a senior at Emory studying music composition and African studies. Hailing from Lilburn, Georgia, she began piano lessons at a young age that developed into her love for music and composition today. Much of her work is inspired by body movement, sensory experiences, nature scenes, and her love of community and storytelling.
Presented by the Department of Music at Emory University. | music.emory.edu Please turn off all electronic devices. Digital capture or recording is not permitted. Cover and Program Design: Lisa Baron | Cover Photo: Mark Teague
Music at Emory Music at Emory brings together students, faculty, and world-class artists to create an exciting and innovative season of performances, lectures, workshops, and master classes. With more than 150 events each year across multiple Emory venues, audiences experience a wide variety of musical offerings. As you explore Music at Emory, we hope you enjoy this variety by sampling an assortment of work from our student ensembles, community youth ensembles, artists in residence, professional faculty, up-and-coming prodigies, and virtuosos from around the world.
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