"Entering the Atmosphere" is a symphonic exploration born from a period of significant change and uncertainty in my life. During this tumultuous time, I grappled with aspirations and the expectations I placed upon myself and my life choices, which soon began to manifest themselves in this piece, transforming into a broader musical journey through “outer space,” and more generally, the unknown.

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This was my first composition for Symphony Orchestra, created during my studies at Nazareth University, starting off as an outer space adventure, as I had always loved marveling at the stars and what lies beyond the night sky. It was mainly fueled however, by my unwavering love of film, musical theater, and video game scores, with my most cherished works being from The Legend of Zelda series, Harry Potter, The Incredibles, and anything by Stephen Sondheim. They awakened a love for storytelling in me, and an obsession with how musical motif and musical cacophony can interplay together in such a beautiful way.

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“Entering the Atmosphere,” showcases three distinct musical themes: one of tension and mystery, another of relentless and repeating doom, and one of intrigue and adventure. As the piece progresses, these themes become a meditation on the transformative power of letting go. The once-weighty themes of expectation morph and interweave, giving way to moments of clarity and freedom, culminating in a serene resolution as well as a newfound sense of control. 

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Ultimately, this piece is a testament to the resilience and the beauty that can emerge from embracing change, and the freedom that lies in relinquishing the powerful weight of expectation in order to find the potential to heal.

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