Taylor Hillary Boykins and Joshua Diaz Make Symphony Number One Debut

Performances feature the music of Mahler and a World Premiere from Natalie Draper on Nov. 5 and 6.

BALTIMORE, MD — Symphony Number One's second season continues with a special arrangement of Gustav Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde (Song of the Earth), alongside the world premiere of Natalie Draper’s Timelapse Variations on November 5 & 6. This will be the first concert of the season in which the entire orchestra will make an appearance. Taylor Hillary Boykins and Joshua Diaz make their Symphony Number One debut. 

Composer Natalie Draper said, "Timelapse Variations is inspired by the time-lapse technique in film. I've always been fascinated by the process of change and this piece is not meant to be a narrative; it is a soundscape collection of processes that all serve as meditations on the passage of time."  

In preparation to take on Mahler's Song of the Earth, tenor Joshua Diaz said, "I am moved by the humanity that comes through Mahler's interpretation of these poems. My character finds in his inebriation the full swing of the human condition. There are many intimate moments where he is fully aware of his own existence and mortality." Mezzo Soprano Taylor Hillary Boykins said, "I was captivated when I first listened to Das Lied and I knew that I had to sing it; I had to make these stories vivid with hopes that the audience could feel--even for a moment, what we feel when performing it. I'm honored and excited for the opportunity to do so with these amazing musicians." 

"Natalie Draper has been a staple of the Baltimore composers scene almost from the moment she moved to the area. We're so fortunate to have the opportunity to perform her latest masterpiece alongside Mahler's last," said Music Director Jordan Randall Smith. 

Song of the Earth will be at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on 740 N Calvert St, Baltimore, MD 21202. Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 seniors, veterans, public servants; $5 children and students.

ABOUT SYMPHONY NUMBER ONE: Symphony Number One is Baltimore's newest chamber orchestra, performing substantial works by emerging composers, alongside riveting masterworks, beloved classics, and a twist of pop. SYMPHONY NUMBER ONE brings together great composers of the past, virtuoso performers of the present, and the leading compositional voices of the future, creating electrifying concert experiences for all of Baltimore. To learn more, visit our website and blog.