Conductor Mei-Ann Chen and the Chicago Sinfonietta give world-premiere recordings of newly commissioned American works by Jennifer Higdon, Clarice Assad, Jessie Montgomery, and Reena Esmail on Project W: Works by Diverse Women Composers, the capstone project of its 30th anniversary season.

REVIEW:

Mei-Ann Chen and the Chicago Sinfonietta give charming, well-executed performances of these works, including one by Florence Price arranged by William Grant Still that will remind you so much of Gershwin that you’ll be sorry that she hasn’t been in your life until now. Clarice Assad’s Sin Fronteras is a generous, grand work whose lushness is in full tilt from the beginning. Jessie Montgomery’s Coincident Dances is rousing, sneaky, and has rhythms you’ll be bouncing your head and tapping your feet to. Reena Esmail gets to show off her wildly impressive vocal skills here in Charukeshi Bandish. Jennifer Higdon’s Dance Card is a classic, full of color and prismatic harmonies. You will not be disappointed when you add this to your collection.

– American Record Guide (Stephanie Boyd)