The Winona Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of conductor Erik Rohde, presents Here at the River, a celebration of the natural splendour of Minnesota. The album begins with Reinaldo Moya’s 'Minnesota Suite', an ode to The North Star State, with each movement portraying an aspect of the region’s landscape. The collection also features a new work by Libby Larsen, 'Emergency Haying', a poignant reflection on labour and the land. Katherine Bergman’s 'Superior' is a short tone poem inspired by the vast and beautiful Great Lake. These works and more invite listeners to appreciate Minnesota’s breathtaking landscapes and reflect on the intrinsic beauty wherever they call home...

Here at the River contains 4 works (8 tracks, 56 min, 06 sec) from three composers. The collection opens and closes with compositions by Libby Larsen both of which employ not only the talents of the Winona Symphony Orchestra, but also mezzo-soprano and bass-baritone performances. Larsen's works are the perfect beginning and end here. Her closing 'Emergency Haying' is almost a mini opera in its own right.

I'd argue that Reinaldo Moya's 3-part 'Minnesota Suite' represents the heart and soul of the recording. The opening 'Pinus Resinosa' draws you in with its hypnotic, eerie ebb and flow.

Katherine Bergman's 'Superior' is an opulent mini-masterpiece which sadly concludes just as it's starting to find its feet.

It's perfectly balanced, representing an beautiful collection of emotive pieces. This collection was a joy to listen to.

Track listing:

Libby Larsen
01. Raspberry Island Dreaming (2002): I. “The river is…” (3:24)
02. Raspberry Island Dreaming (2002): II. “Where the river bent” (2:42)
03. Raspberry Island Dreaming (2002): III. “Raspberry Island” (4:58)

Reinaldo Moya
04. Minnesota Suite (2021/2023): I. Pinus resinosa (5:42)
05. Minnesota Suite (2021/2023): II. And Still, She Calls (7:00)
06. Minnesota Suite (2021/2023): III. Lily of the West (5:12)

Katherine Bergman
07. Superior (2018/2022) (5:56)

Libby Larsen
08. Emergency Haying (2023) (21:12)

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Darren Rea