Composed: 2003

Length: c. 11 minutes

Orchestration: 3 flutes (3rd = piccolo), 2 oboes, English horn, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 3 bassoons, 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, percussion (bass drum, cowbells, orchestra bells, stand cymbal, tam tam, temple block, tom toms, triangle, xylophone), piano, and strings

Grand Hope Crossing is a concert overture composed in celebration of the appearance of the USC Thornton Symphony, led by Maestro Sergiu Comissiona, at Walt Disney Concert Hall during this spectacular venue's inaugural season, April 18, 2004.

I wrote it before the hall opened. I had the stimulating notion of just throwing some sounds at it to see what happens. It was odd writing for an unknown acoustic environment, but once hearing music here, I knew I need not worry. Of course, I also wanted to show off our grand, young orchestra. Its wonderful musicians are inspiration enough. They give us all hope for the future.

-- Frederick Lesemann