Desert Pass

“Desert Pass,” the latest release from UNCSA Media, offers a bold portrait of 21st-century chamber music from a diverse array of new voices writing for the woodwind repertoire. From Hindustani music of India to Miles Davis, to abstract expressionist artwork, the works on the album draw from a rich and expansive world of musical styles and genres.

The album features acclaimed ensemble Zéphyros Winds in works by three of today’s most vital voices in contemporary classical music including “The Light is the Same” by Reena Esmail and world premiere recordings of “Tatu” by David Sanford and “Desert Pass” by UNCSA alum Tyson Gholston Davis.

Recorded in collaboration with UNCSA Media and supported by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, "Desert Pass" continues the label’s mission to highlight groundbreaking artistry from UNCSA faculty, alumni and partners.

Tyson Gholston Davis

Composer

Tyson Gholston Davis is a bold new voice in contemporary music, blending rich textures, kinetic energy and visual inspiration. From acclaimed premieres in Berlin to commissions from leading ensembles, his work reflects a deep artistic vision shaped at UNCSA and The Juilliard School.

Reena Esmail

Composer

Reena Esmail composes at the intersection of Indian and Western classical traditions, creating music that unites cultures and communities. With degrees from Juilliard and Yale, her work spans Grammy-nominated recordings, major symphony commissions and a deep commitment to musical equity.

David Sanford

Composer

David Sanford blends complexity and edge in contemporary composition, with performances by top ensembles and commissions from leading arts institutions. A Rome Prize and Guggenheim fellow, he is professor at Mount Holyoke College and leads the genre-defying David Sanford Big Band.