I am so excited to announce the upcoming world premiere of my newest world, “BoitatáI,” an overture for orchestra commissioned by the LA Philharmonic.  What is this piece about?  The word Boitatá originates in the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning “Fire Serpent,” and the legend likely derives from the Indigenous people of Brazil. The earliest written chronicles of these legends come from the writings of Jesuit priests in the XVI century, who imposed the natives to their customs and worldviews. It was a traumatic time of invasion, destruction, disease, and horrors they have carried through generations and still suffer today. With more and more forests ravaged to make room for crops and livestock, Indigenous peoples such as the Akuntsu and Kanoê have been on the brink of extinction within the last three decades. So, what part does legend play in modern life? What became of Boitatá?\