The Elegy for 9/11 was written in 2003 for a performance with the Orchestra of the Humanities in Los Angeles. The work began life as string orchestral work, but has been adapted and orchestrated for full symphony orchestra.

My intentions are to reflect on the emotions that I felt regarding the horrible events of September 11, 2001, as opposed to trying to musically depicting the actual occurrence.

The main theme of the piece is initially played in a major key by the solo strings; this theme returns at the end of the work, but now in a minor key. The ending section begins with the solo violin sustaining its note as the full orchestra dies away from a brutal, dissonant chord. This simple note, singing softly out from the chaos, represents man’s valiant effort to retain a spark of dignity and hope in the face of tragedy.