Composer James Hopkins has
written works for practically every instrument and ensemble. "Highly
idiomatic writing" and "colorful, exotic orchestrations" are often cited
as characteristics of his work. His output ranges in scale from
intimate solo and choral pieces to large orchestral works, some with
chorus. His catalog includes seven symphonies and four concertos.
Among performers and ensembles who have played his works
are the National Symphony, the Seattle Symphony and Symphony Chorus,
organists David Higgs, Fredrick Swann and Diane Meredith Belcher, the
North Shore Band, the Fine Arts Quartet and the Pacific Symphony and
Pacific Chorale.
Organizations that have commissioned his works include the
National Endowment for the Arts, the Orange County Philharmonic Society,
the Orquesta Ciudad de Granada (Spain), and the Pasadena Chamber
Orchestra, as well as numerous churches and educational institutions.
His most recent major composition, Concierto de Los Angeles,
was commissioned by the American Guild of Organists for its 2004
National Convention. Premiered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Orchestra and soloist Cherry Rhodes, it was the first work for organ to
be performed in a public concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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