Emma O’Halloran: here and now • Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra

Kaleidoscope commission recorded July 20, 2025, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica 2025 Santa Monica Music Festival clarinet- Benjamin Mitchell violin I - Luke Hsu violin II - KJ McDonald viola - SoHui Yun cello - Joshua Halpern Program Note: Emma O’Halloran’s here and now (2024) was commissioned by the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra with funds from the Irish Arts Council. This vibrant clarinet quintet is an exploration of presence, memory, and the embodied moment. Its title is inspired by the mantra: “All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now.” The work unfolds through interwoven textures: the clarinet leads with lyrical, breath-driven lines, while the strings weave around, sometimes echoing, sometimes contrasting. Echoes, sustained tones, and resonant harmonies create a sense of time stretched and focused—capturing the heightened awareness of being fully present. Drawing on her background in acoustic and electronic fusion, O’Halloran treats each instrument as a portal to emotional nuance. The music is intimate yet expansive, alternating between reflective stillness and lively rhythmic interplay. Harmonic shading and melodic fragments dissolve and reappear—as in joyous recollection or mindful attention. The piece asks musicians to inhabit each moment, foregrounding attention to nuance—dynamic shading, sustained resonance, and ensemble listening. Phrasing should feel spontaneous yet composed, as though unfolding in real time. here and now embodies O’Halloran’s philosophy of presence. It invites both players and listeners into mindful engagement, offering an immediate, heartfelt experience that lingers beyond the final note. To help us support musicians and produce future concerts, please donate at: https://www.kco.la/support