"quick sparrows" TO PREMIERE DURING eleven voices new music concert on january 24th in pasAdena, ca, usa

January 2, 2026

( Image: Banner for the Eleven Voices New Music Concert, sponsored by Hollywood Piano )

Happy New Year, one and all! Mary is delighted to announce that her 2025 string quartet work, "quick sparrows / ὤκεες στροῦθοι", will premiere as part of the Eleven Voices New Music Concert on January 24th at Hollywood Piano in Pasadena, California, USA. The piece was named one of the eleven winners of the Hollywood Piano Composers' Chamber Music Concert Contest, all of which will be performed at the concert.

Tickets to the event are free, and can be reserved in advance right here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eleven-voices-new-music-concert-tickets-1979546505887

"quick sparrows / ὤκεες στροῦθοι" is the second movement of "EFTA Suite", a new string quartet work commissioned by beautiful luxury boutique hotel The Vasilicos of Santorini, Greece; as part of its “[To Build] A [Temporary] Home” ad hoc artist residency program. Deriving its name from Efta, one of the hotel's most intimate and romantic suites, “EFTA Suite” captures a series of beautiful moments — a brilliant kaleidoscopic sunset, and a sumptuous outdoor meal unexpectedly accompanied by a pair of cheeky sparrows — as experienced by the composer from the cliff-hanging Efta terrace during her May 2024 composer residency at The Vasilicos.

The piece is a sprightly allegro vivace which illustrates a pair of small birds inquisitively hopping around the patio table of a colorful, fruit-laden breakfast. "quick sparrows / ὤκεες στροῦθοι" was composed in Eb-major (vibrant blue, vibrant green, and vibrant orange in Mary's synesthesia color palette) to match the iconic blue found in The Vasilicos’ signature Burleigh Blue Calico breakfast plates.  

Thank you so much to Hollywood Piano for selecting "quick sparrows / ὤκεες στροῦθοι" for its Composers' Chamber Music Concert Contest, congratulations to all of the winners, and looking forward to the premiere!