Various Composers - Prayers for a Feverish Planet (Ann DuHamel)

Information

1. Erick Tapia - Solipsismo
2. Karen Lemon - Forgive Them Not, for They Know What They Do
3. Laura Schwendinger - Magic Carpet Music: II. Air
4. Juhi Bansal - Land of Waking Dreams
5. Ian Dicke - White Parasol
6. Daniel Blinkhorn - frostbYte: chalk outline
7. Judith Shatin - Plain Song: I. Plain Song
8. Judith Shatin - Plain Song: II. Lullaby
9. Judith Shatin - Plain Song: III. Shadow and Smoke
10. Judith Shatin - Plain Song: IV. Tutta Gloria
11. Gunter Gaupp - Those Who Watch

Ann DuHamel, piano

Date: 2026

Label: New Focus Recordings

_____________________

Prayers for a Feverish Planet, Vol. 1 is the first installment of pianist Ann DuHamel’s ambitious commissioning project addressing the global climate crisis through contemporary piano music. Inspired by concerns about environmental change, DuHamel invited composers worldwide to contribute works exploring themes of ecology, human responsibility, and environmental transformation, receiving submissions from more than 170 composers across 35 countries. The album features compositions by Laura Schwendinger, Judith Shatin, Juhi Bansal, Karen Lemon, Erick Tapia, Ian Dicke, Daniel Blinkhorn, and Gunter Gaupp. Blending acoustic piano with electronics, spoken word, field recordings, prepared piano, and extended techniques, the recording offers a diverse and compelling exploration of environmental themes. Through virtuosic performances and innovative sound worlds, the project demonstrates how contemporary artists can engage meaningfully with urgent global issues while creating music of profound emotional and artistic impact.

Ann DuHamel is an acclaimed pianist, educator, and advocate for contemporary music whose dynamic career has taken her to performances in 22 countries and 37 U.S. states, including an appearance at Carnegie Weill Recital Hall. Recognized for her imaginative programming and expressive artistry, she has earned praise for recordings such as Rückblick: New Piano Music Inspired by Brahms and her contribution to Tyler Kline: Orchard. A passionate champion of new music, DuHamel has commissioned numerous contemporary works, most notably through her climate-focused initiative Prayers for a Feverish Planet, which has generated more than 60 new compositions from artists around the world. Supported by grants, residencies, and media recognition, her work combines artistic excellence with environmental and social engagement. She currently serves as Professor of Music at University of Minnesota Morris and is a former president of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association.

High Resolution 24-bit / 48 kHz