Symphony No. 1
“The Wolf”
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, titled “The Wolf,” is a symphony in four movements, composed between 2023 and 2024. The work is dedicated to my Family. The first public performance was on October 24, 2025 by the Charlotte Civic Orchestra at the Dale F. Halton Theater in Charlotte, NC.
Technical Details
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I. Allegro vivace
II. Scherzo
III. Adagio
IV. Finale
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2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets, 2 Bassoons; 4 Horns, 2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones; Harp, Marimba, Snare Drum, Timpani; Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
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C minor
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Around 27 minutes
Recordings
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Symphony No. 1 "The Wolf"
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World Premiere (Vinyl Only)
About the Work
A bold, modern, and emotionally charged work that reaches for something primal and true. It is a journey through struggle, resilience and redemption that expresses the mystery and spirit of being alive. “Always keep fighting!”
The Preservation of Fire
My compositional approach was driven by a desire to infuse modern, familiar rhythms and sounds into orchestral music. I believe that to keep this art form evolving and relevant, we “must repeat the thought and aspirations of the times,” as Gerswhin once said. Mahler’s perspective, “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire,” also deeply resonates with me. I sincerely hope that my symphony sparks interest in this art form among younger generations and others who might not normally seek out art music.
I have an intense fighting spirit. I used to be very argumentative as a kid, especially in times when I felt an injustice was being served. Whether it was arguing in baseball about who got to the base first, or defending a vulnerable classmate that was outmatched by a bully, the fighting spirit came out in an instant. I've also had my own struggles in life, and I know first-hand how important having hope is for people during dark times.
Why "The Wolf?"
I called the symphony "The Wolf" because I've always related to wolves in many ways. They are the symbol of Italy, which is where half of my family is from; they are an important mythical symbol in Ireland, where the other part of my family is from; and they have a reputation as being loners, despite being pack animals. Do they isolate themselves in spite of their own social needs? Do I do that too? At NC State, I was both a loner and part of the Pack - a Schrödinger's wolf, if you will... All joking aside, there is a fierceness and resilience that wolves represent, a fighting spirit. In these dark times, we all need the reminder to keep fighting and to never give up.
