Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Spring 2025 21 Cposers Bureau Dr. Gwyneth Walker, member of the SAI Composers Bureau, has released a new edition of her piece Emily! (from New England), first published in 2014 for soprano and piano. The newest edition is available for soprano with clarinet, optional bass clarinet, and piano, and versions were previously released for mezzo-soprano and piano; soprano, clarinet, and piano; and soprano, clarinet, and string quartet. According to the program notes, "the poetry of Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) is especially appealing due to the wide range of topics, diversity of mood, and peculiar imagination of the poet. The writings are reflective, passionate, witty, sensuous, observant and ridiculously humorous." The composer, also a New Englander, captures the spirit of the poet in Emily! (from New England) with a strong focus on nature. Dr. Walker is a graduate of Brown University and the Hartt School of Music. She holds B.A., M.M., and D.M.A. degrees in Music Composition. A former faculty member of the Oberlin College Conservatory, she resigned from academic employment in 1982 in order to pursue a career as a full-time composer. For nearly 30 years, she lived on a dairy farm in Braintree, Vermont before returning to live in her childhood hometown of New Canaan, Connecticut. Dr. Walker is a proud resident of New England. She was the recipient of the 2000 "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Vermont Arts Council and the 2018 "Alfred Nash Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award" from Choral Arts New England. In 2020, her alma mater, the Hartt School of Music of the University of Hartford, presented her with the Hartt Alumni Award. Walker's catalog includes musical works of many sorts: arrangements of traditional folk songs; original music in both vocal and instrumental genres inspired by great American poetry; dramatic works that combine music with readings, acting, and movement; works for student performers of all ages; and large- scale pieces for professional players and ensembles. Her music is published by E.C. Schirmer and Lauren Keiser Music. Emily! ( from New England ) Dr. Gwyneth Walker, SAI Composers Bureau Member Dr. Gwyneth Walker, SAI Composers Bureau Member Photo: Robert Eddy Photo: Robert Eddy My Letter to the World By Emily Dickinson This is my letter to the World This is my letter to the World That never wrote to me That never wrote to me – The simple News that Nature told The simple News that Nature told – With tender Majesty With tender Majesty Her Message is committed Her Message is committed To Hands I cannot see To Hands I cannot see – For love of Her For love of Her – Sweet Sweet – countrymen countrymen – Judge tenderly Judge tenderly – of Me of Me

• Cover