Colin Martin and Friends

SF composer and pianist Colin Martin premieres three of his newest works alongside friends and colleagues. A solo Piano Sonata inspired by memories of the composer’s youth in New Mexico precedes a new Cello Sonata written for local cellist Abigail Monroe, inspired by musical cryptograms, romanticism, and Tango. In the second half, renowned soprano Winnie Nieh debuts a new song cycle/chamber opera written for her, “Stranded: A Solo Space Opera”. Set to the composer’s own libretto, it details the plight of Dr. Caroline Newman, the biologist on a five-man crew attempting the first manned mission to Mars. However, when on route, a catastrophe befalls them, leaving all but Newman dead. She drifts through space alone, attempting to reestablish contact with Earth, all the while with dwindling food and oxygen in a race against time. The cycle details her situation, her inner thoughts, and her reflections on her life back on Earth.