YPHIL – International Youth Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Jose Luis Gomez Recorded live at Carnegie Hall: September 27, 2015 1. KAKU, KUPALA | FEAR IN NEUTRAL BUOYANCY, by Sean J. Kennedy The composition, a percussion feature written with full orchestra, was inspired by a shocking two-minute encounter that Kennedy had with a four-foot barracuda off the coast of Maui. It was August 2001, while on a sight-seeing trip, snorkeling off the coast of Maui to observe the great sea turtles, when Kennedy encountered a Kaku, kupala — Hawaiian for large barracuda — just two meters to his left. The ominous fish remained motionless, starring at Sean while using its innate ability for maintaining neutral buoyancy. Terrified, Sean called out to his friend who was nearby ... but when he looked back to see if the barracuda was still there, it had vanished. 'Kaku, Kupala. Fear in Neutral Buoyancy' is a fusion of jazz, rock, and classical music — painting a picture in sound using specific rhythms and pitches as well as moments of free improvisation. The work features three percussionists who symbolize the composer's emotions while floating just below the surface of the Pacific Ocean: prior to, during, and after the encounter with the great fish. The percussionists switch frequently between reading specific notated rhythms to moments of free improvisation — adding the necessary elements of danger and surprise — making the piece come alive for both the performers and the audience. VOX IN TERRA Suite, by Faruk Kanca 2. OVERTURE This suite form all of the ethnic instruments will be in harmony like a solo instrument, in a monotone but polyphonic manner. The first section will not only exhibit virtuosity skills of the concerto form but also be an overture given that the audience will meet with these instruments for the first time. 3. ANTHEM FOR SEPTEMBER 11th 4. THE MESSAGE 5. ZEYBEK - BAR - HORON