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Paragonia
Michael G. Cunningham composer
Kiev Philharmonic Orchestra | Robert Ian Winstin conductor
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Petr Vronsky conductor
Karel Košárek piano
Russian Philharmonic Orchestra | Ovidiu Marinescu conductor
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra | Vit Micka conductor
On his latest Navona Records release, PARAGONIA, composer Michael G. Cunningham explores ways in which the orchestra can interact with itself on several levels. Counter Currents presents contrary phrases and themes simultaneously stated while TransActions portrays dimensions of density, emphasizing orchestral blur and presenting gestures and passages that prompt interplay between the sections of the orchestra. In Cunningham’s Piano Concerto, the orchestra and piano, evocatively played by Karel Košárek, are equally matched, using elements of stylized jazz and vocal-like passages to structure the themes. Highlighting textural and tonal fragmentation within the orchestra, his Trumpet Concerto demonstrates different conversational techniques among the voices, such as chatter, flippancy, and imitation.
Cunningham holds music degrees from Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Indiana University. Between 1967 and 1973 he taught theory and composition-related courses at universities in Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, and California. From 1973 to 2006, he was Professor of Theory and Composition at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
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Artist Information
Michael G. Cunningham
Michael G. Cunningham was born in Warren MI in 1937 and holds music degrees from Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and Indiana University. After limited teaching appointments at four different universities, he remained Professor of Theory and Composition at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire from 1973 to 2006. Since 1958 Cunningham has created a large catalog of various types of music for all manner of performer combinations and situations.
Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra
The Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the foremost and oldest symphony orchestras in the Czech Republic. It is based in the historical capital of Moravia, the city of Olomouc, and has been a leader of music activities in the region for the past 70 years. Its artistic development was directly influenced by distinguished figures from the Czech and international music scene.
Petr Vronský
After successes in several important international competitions for conductors — including the competition in Besancon France in 1971 and the Karajan Competition in Berlin in 1973 — his career began at the opera company in Pilsen. From 1974 to 1978, he was Chief of Opera of the State Theater in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. In 1978, he was appointed Chief Conductor of the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held until 1991. Vronsky was later appointed Chief Conductor of the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra Ostrava in 2002.
