twinning (2024-2025)

for violin duo and dmx lights

Program Note:

twinning explores formation, separation, and differentiation through sonic and visual mediums. The piece begins with two violinists positioned back to back at the center of a circle of lights, moving and sounding as one, a single organism. As the work unfolds, subtle shifts emerge amidst their joint sonic tapestry, challenging this unity. The two performers gradually diverge, navigating attachment, attunement, and (dis)connection musically and visually via responsive lighting design. 

The dynamics between light and sound constantly evolves as the piece progresses, with the lights first acting as a source of empathy, and then later turning towards one of dissonance and disorientation. At its core, twinning is an autobiographical meditation on loss—on a life cycle, a twinship, interrupted, and in turn, the complex experience of individuation when separation occurs prematurely and unnaturally. This piece is dedicated to my twin sister Jesi (1998-2014), whose love continues to propel me in music and in life. 

This piece was commissioned by the Darmstadt Festival and was written for Maya Bennardo and Sarah Saviet for premier on July 25th, 2025 in the Lichtenbergschule in Darmstadt, DE. 

A Note on Collaboration:

In creating this piece, I was especially interested in developing a musical language rooted in attunement and embodiment—where the two violinists generate a composite sound by deeply listening and responding to one another within a slowly evolving durational context. I'm thankful to have had the chance to collaborate with Maya and Sarah, whose shared dedication to this performance practice brought the piece to life through their sensitivity, embodiment, and empathetic musicianship. The lighting was programmed by Max Ardito, who I am also so glad to have built a collaborative working relationship with throughout this process. 

PRESS:

https://internationales-musikinstitut.de/en/ferienkurse/festival/programm/twinnings/

https://internationales-musikinstitut.de/en/ferienkurse/reader/twinnings/