Audio recording from Wilson Somers’ original 2012 performance of Requiem for 9/11 that includes an opening passage and a still video of the written score.
Composed by George and Ira Gershwin
Duet by Joan and Wilson Somers (Piano); Leon Spencer, Contrabass; Jonathan Whitney, Percussion. The final composition by George Gershwin, with lyrics by brother Ira, this is a modern standard, and favorite of the group that will be one of yours too.
Composed by Wilson Gault Somers (Piano); Stan Slotter, Flute; Leon Spencer, Contrabass; Jonathan Whitney, Percussion. Debut performance of this inspired, composed in memory of Bethany Somers.
Composed by Duke Pearson and Donald Byrd
Jazz Christmas Choir conducted by Joe Louden; Jeff Dombchik, Vibraphone; Stan Slotter, Trumpet; Wilson Somers, Piano; Leon Spencer, Contrabass; Jonathan Whitney, Percussion. Wilson has wanted to perform this piece for some 20 years and does so at A Jazz Christmas, 2022.
Composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joe Louden (Piano); A new composition with an emphasis on showing how one’s caring and love for others can help heal today’s world. The Jazz Christmas Choir, conducted by Wilson Somers, supporting lead vocalist, Johanna Schlect, Soprano.
Dedicated to Ann Jaffee, Holocaust survivor and example of the Triumph of the Human Spirit. This is the premier performance of this powerful work, based on Psalm 121, featuring soloists: Courtney Ames, Soprano; Charlotte Paulsen, Mezzo; Christyan Seay, Tenor; Brian Carter, Baritone; St. Helena’s Choir, Joe Louden, Director (Pipe Organ); with Doug McNames on violoncello; and conducted by the Composer.
This selection from the 2016 edition of "A Jazz Christmas" with the Wilson Somers Trio & Guests, including The Tatnall Singers, is a great mix of Dave Brubeck and Richard Strauss that takes a fun run at the hectic holiday season. The arrangement is by Kathy Strauss.
This Wilson Somers composition debuted on April 7, 2019 at 'A Jazz Vespers for Martin,' commemorating the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The musicians include: Wilson Somers, piano; Leon Spencer, contrabass; Bryan Silberman, percussion; and featuring Stan Slotter on trumpet, with the Church of the Advent choir. Performed and recorded at Church of the Advent, Kennett Square, PA.
This rendition of a popular Wilson Somers composition features shared solos by Stan Slotter on flute, Wes Morton on vibraphone and Wilson Somers on piano, accompanied by Leon Spencer on contrabass and Bryan Silberman on percussion. Performed and recorded at 'A Jazz Vespers for Martin,' honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., held April 7, 2019 at Church of the Advent, Kennett Square, PA.
This is a composition dedicated by Wilson to his wife Joan. It appears on the "Beautiful Love" CD.
A mellow selection from 'A Jazz Vespers for Martin' held April 7, 2019 to commemorate the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The musicians include: Wilson Somers, piano; Leon Spencer, contrabass; Bryan Silberman, percussion; and featuring Stan Slotter on trumpet and Wes Morton on vibraphone. Performed and recorded at Church of the Advent, Kennett Square, PA From the composer: "A 16 bar blues, 'The Peace" is designed for Vibraphone and Jazz Piano Trio. It is a tune that will keep evolving. This composition is dedicated to my dear friend, The Reverend Canon Lloyd Casson, Rector Emeritus of St. Andrew's and St. Matthew's Church in Wilmington, Delaware. It is a church that transcends boundaries...or like Duke Ellington used to say about his music 'It is beyond boundaries'."
Wilson Somers, composer and pianist
A great performance of the Eden Ahbez classic, "Nature Boy," with lead by Wes Morton on vibraphone, joined by Wilson Somers on piano, Glenn Ferricone on drums and Peter Paulsen on contrabass. From the Springtime in Paris benefit concert on April 30, 2017 at the Laird Center of the Tatnall School in Wilmington, DE.
This lively version of the Richard Rodgers standard features Wilson Somers on piano, with Glenn Ferricone on percussion and Peter Paulsen on contrabass. Performed at Laird Center at the Tatnall School, in Wilmington, DE, during the Springtime in Paris jazz concert on April 30, 2017.
This is a selection from a benefit concert held in Wilmington, Delaware, featuring Wilson Somers on piano, Wes Morton on vibraphone, Glenn Ferricone on percussion, Peter Paulson on contrabass, Stan Slotter on flute and trumpet, Ed Kirkpatrick on saxophone and Wes Morton on vibraphone, performing at the Laird Arts Center, at Tatnall School, in Wilmington.
Beautiful Love was recorded at a special get together of the Wilson Somers Quartet at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Kennett Square, PA. The musicians include: Wilson Somers, piano; Leon Spencer, contrabass; Bryan Silberman, percussion; and featuring Ed Kirkpatrick on tenor saxophone.
Avalon Pier was recorded at a special get together of the Wilson Somers Quartet at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, Kennett Square, PA. The musicians include: Wilson Somers, piano; Leon Spencer, contrabass; Bryan Silberman, percussion; and featuring Ed Kirkpatrick on tenor saxophone.
This is a terrific performance of a jazzy Christmas tune performed by the talented Annie Fitch at the 2016 Jazz Christmas concert, held at the Laird Center of The Tatnall School. Musicians included: Wilson Somers on piano, Glenn Ferricone on drums, Peter Paulsen on contrabass, Ed Kirkpatrick on saxophone and Wes Morton on vibraphone. A benefit sponsored by Mass for the Homeless, Inc, Music with a Mission.
This tune is written in the classic Tin Pan Alley 32 bar form – AABA. The “B” is for the bridge that contrasts with the repetitive 8 bar phrase. So many great songs of the 20’s through 40’s use this form with songwriter/composers, such as Kern, Gershwin, Porter, Berlin, Rodgers and more. The story behind this particular tune is so well known. Duke Ellington asked Pittsburgh Pianist/Composer Billy Strayhorn to visit him on the Upper West Side of New York City. Billy arrived with this tune to honor Duke. Duke loved it so…that he made it the theme song for the Ellington Orchestra. Billy and Duke were inseparable until Billy’s untimely death. I remember hearing Brubeck’s quartet in the early 1980’s and was so struck that his band’s encore was ‘A Train’. This performance, was the encore for the 2016 Jazz Christmas concert, held at the Laird Center of the Tatnall School, features the gifted vibraphonist, Wes Morton and the late Ed Kirkpatrick on alto saxophone. I am certain that Ed is now sitting in from time to time in Ellington’s Celestial Big Band.
This performance of a Wilson Gault Somers classic features Ed Kirkpatrick on tenor saxophone and the beautiful natural acoustics of the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Philadelphia.
This performance of "Pavane For A Dragonfly" is from the Wilson Somers Quartet Concert at the Episcopal Cathedral of Philadelphia in October, 2013. It features the late Ed Kirkpatrick on tenor saxophone.
‘The Commission’ is at the heart of the large-scale composition "Mass for the Homeless" by Joan and Wilson Somers.
The text comes from Holy Scripture in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 25, verses 31-40. The message is simple: Humankind is called to be God’s hands and feet in the world. This call to service is seminal for the Christian walk.
In this performance, Mezzo-Soprano Charlotte Paulsen is accompanied by Sue Lerner, Violoncello, as well as the composer at the piano. This was part of the Sunday worship service at Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, PA on August 19, 2018
From the composer: ""The Commission" is the heart of 'Mass for the Homeless' a work that captures the message of our need as a humanity to reach out and really give those people on the margin a chance, a hope for a future. Jesus said 'In as much as you do this unto the least of them...you do this for me'. The proposition is simple...if you want you life to be blessed then reach out to one less fortunate than yourself and. your life will be blessed. Life is short, my friends. Take heed and do this today...not tomorrow. The premiere of 'Mass for the Homeless' was in 1997 with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and at the largess of then conductor Stephen Gunzenhauser...I was honored to conduct the work. That night it raised 40K for homeless ministry in Northern Delaware. Image what it could do if it was performed throughout the country."
Wilson Somers
"Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Mesiah, performed in December 2017 at Episcopal Church of the Advent, as part of a Christmas concert, held at the Kennett Square, PA church. Strings, trumpet, pipe organ and chorus, under the direction of Wilson Gault Somers.
"Sanctus," a selection from Gabriel Faure's "Requiem Op. 48," features the combined choirs of the Episcopal Church of the Advent and the Tatnall School, under the direction of conductor Jack Briggs. Recorded at Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, PA.
This composition is 'Pie Jesu', an arrangement of the soprano solo in 'Requiem for 9/11' for SATB Choir, Violin, Cello and Piano.This performance was part of the St Helena Palm Sunday Musical Reflection by the St. Helena's Church Choir, Joe Louden, Director on March 25, 2018 in Wilmington, Delaware. It is dedicated to my Goddaughter Christina Lee Menke (1996-2015). My thanks to Joe Louden who recommended I arrange the work for SATB Choir. Wilson Somers, composer.
This selection was part of a Christmas music presentation by the Episcopal Church of the Advent choir and guests, along with a string quartet, all under the direction of Wilson Somers. Located in Kennett Square, PA.
From Jack Briggs: "From the opening phrase of the strings/organ to the opening phrases of the choir, section by section, this is an amazing performance by this ensemble. I was delighted to hear the manner that "us" was performed, the directions given each of the choral lines, and, in particular, the articulation of the sixteenth-note quadruplets by the chorus. The baroque technique of the strings and organ was noticeable quite often. It was equally pleasant to hear an ensemble reacting to one another as musicians in an ensemble. As for the conductor, I have said before that we need to hear more from Maestro Wilson Gault Somers. Bravo to all choral artists, instrumentalists, and their fine conductor."
The 2017 performance of 'Pavane for a Dragonfly' was a new arrangement put together by the late Ed Kirkpatrick. Knowing full well that the 2013 version could not be replicated, Ed pulled from his considerable experience in 'Big Band Jazz' to conceive a broader expression of the Pavane. (Ed was the lead alto in West Chester University's Criterions in 1966 replacing the legendary Ernie Watts) Jazz veterans saxophonist Dave Schiff, percussionist Glenn Ferricone, bassist Peter Paulsen and vibraphonist Wes Morton provided an organic backdrop to trumpeter Rick Gazda, who played the lead melody. Rick's tone on the trumpet is a rich sound filled with passion so appropriate for the lead line. Rick is a musician's musician and has played regularly with Bruce Springsteen as well as polka master Bernie Witkowski. The tasty solo work of Wes Morton and Ed Kirkpatrick speaks for itself. This performance was a feature of the 2017 Jazz Christmas at the Tatnall School, Greenville, Delaware and a production of Music with a Mission (formerly Mass for the Homeless, Inc.) as a benefit for Friendship House, Inc. Wilmington, dedicated to founders Bill and Marcy Perkins.
David Danced Before the Lord - the title comes from a story in the second book of Samuel in the Old Testament (2 Samuel 6: 14-22). Duke Ellington used this passage as part of his Sacred Concerts utilizing an uptempo version of his 'classic' sacred ballad 'Come Sunday'. Building on Ellington's canon, I set my version as a Cuban-Latin jazz feel. This performance was part of a Jazz Vespers in 2014 at Episcopal Church of the Advent, Kennett Square, PA. The 'cool style' of Ed Kirkpatrick's alto saxophone is complemented by the extraordinary flute playing of Philadelphia's Trumpeter/Flautist Stan Slotter. This is on top of a very tight organic rhythmic feel by the exceptional talents of percussionists, Jonathan Whitney and Wes Morton. Once again, Bassist Peter Paulsen applies his bass playing to what is essential and with mastery.
Pavane for a Dragonfly was first recorded here as part of a Jazz Vespers performed by the Chancel Choir of Episcopal Church of the Advent, Kennett Square, PA at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral in 2013. As all instruments are acoustic, the way the alto saxophonist of the late Ed Kirkpatrick soars above and fills the church is profoundly 'other worldly'. Bassist Peter Paulsen and Percussionist Glenn Ferricone added the perfect accompaniment in making this so special. It is well known that Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck invested a great deal of energy in presenting jazz as 'sacred music' especially at the end of their lives. Just like the sacrifice of a 'Merciful Jesus' in the Pie Jesu, it is no secret that the canon of jazz is an expression of a people who were formerly enslaved in a country that professes 'that all men (and women) are created equal.' The pavane's story is too personal to get into here, but it is fair to say that the composition is based on a blues pattern of great empathy for 'an oppressed person/people'. As people of faith, my wife and I see these offerings of both classical and jazz expressions in this context.
Pie Jesu which means 'Merciful Jesus' is the seminal composition from Requiem for 9/11, the first piece composed of 12 movements. Visually, I have always heard this as the 'soundtrack' to Michaelangelo's Pieta in the Vatican.
After I committed to writing the work, my wife Joan and I were on an extended escape to our former beach house in Avalon, New Jersey at the end of March in 2002. As Avalon has a beautiful pier at the end of 30th Street, I was walking alone on a cold deserted beach and stopped underneath the pier. Listening to the rhythm of the waves, this music was 'given' to me. I just heard it, went home and wrote it out note for note, for real. (This was also true in the writing of 'The Commission' from Mass for the Homeless.) To be clear, composition for me is a divine/mystical process and has always been since I began writing music in my later teen years. I can't really explain it, all I know is that I experience it and try to 'shut up and get out of its way'. I wish to thank Tony Kosar, Chair of theTheory/Composition Department, Westminster Choir College, Princeton for his encouragement and support in the earliest days of writing Requiem. Although this performance of 'Pie Jesu' features the late Betsy Kent, one of University of Delaware's finest accompanists ever, I prefer the aria accompanied by harp. Soprano Courtney Ames is the consummate extraordinary artist who has interpreted 'Pie Jesu' at the 2012 premiere at Wilmington (DE) Grand Opera House as well as performed in a new realization as a duet with Andrea Lauren Brown. The latter is available for viewing as Track Ten (X) from the 2021 Ensemble Version on this website.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.
The Requiem for 9/11, composed by Wilson Gault Somers and Joan Walworth Somers, was updated to a smaller ensemble arrangement by Maestro Somers and was premiered on the 20th Anniversary of the horrific attack to honor those who sacrificed so much during and after that fateful day and to recognize the efforts and bravery of all who run forward into danger to keep us all free and safe. The work was performed on September 12, 2021 at St. Helena's Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. There are 12 movements, each of which is available for viewing on this channel.