CH, CO, US
Instrumentation
solo piano
Length
9min
About the Piece
“CH, CO, US” originated as a commission from the Ouray Performing Arts Guild and my good friend, Kara Huber. It is dedicated to Dave and Mary Wood from which Ouray County, Colorado has benefited from countless acts of generosity.
While doing research about Ouray, I immediately felt feelings of safety and escape. I recognized Ouray as a physical and emotional haven with a community of people like Dave and Mary Wood that make it unique and welcoming. The title of the work is derived from Ouray’s famous nickname – “the Switzerland of America.” Each set of letters represents the internationally-recognized two-letter codes for states and countries.
At its core, “CH, CO, US” is about our individualized yearning for safety in all its forms and the journey we take to find it.