Suite for Trombone and Harp

I. Serenade
II. Groove
III. Hymn
IV. Enchanted Waltz

Suite for Trombone and Harp was commissioned by my long-time friend and colleague Don Lucas in 2026. In composing for this most unusual combination of instruments, I wanted to make a piece that sings and dances with what
I feel are the natural, organic charms of the instruments.

The piece opens with Serenade, in which a flowing underpinning in harp supports a theme of straightforward warmth and stability in trombone. Groove follows, propelled by rhythm and jazz-influenced gestures. Hymn offers a contemplative third movement before the work concludes with Enchanted Waltz, a delicate, lyrical dance featuring a trombone cadenza.

- Bruce Stark