Monica Williams: Ensembles
- Ensembles
Currently Monica is a member of two contemporary ensembles in San Francisco. She often plays as a guest performer with other various Bay Area Ensembles. - Phoenix Rising
- Phoenix Rising is an ensemble that performs music written by Wendy Loomis. The ensemble uses piano and flute as its core, adding an array of strings, woodwinds, and percussion into various aspects of the ensemble. The music is mystical, powerful, and lyrical creating scenescapes of light and energy.
"Despite being an American duo and having a lot of American influences, PHOENIX RISING often projects a European quality ... it isn't hard to imagine parts of this album being used in an artsy film from Spain, Italy, Belgium, or France.
(Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
“Their debut CD, Whispers, is inspiring. Though the music transcends classification, you'll find it listed as New Classical/Jazz. It definitely has a classical influence, as I swear I can hear George Gershwin in Wendy's piano playing. But then the haunting melodies of Monica's flutes are reminiscent of Native American spiritual music. Stir that combination with jazz and just a sprinkling of spoken word, and you've got the delicious blend of Whispers cooked up by Phoenix Rising.” Cindi Combs, Listen and Be Heard
Buy a Copy or Two of Ascesion now!
- Copus
- COPUS (Creation of Peace Under the Stars) is a world rhythm ensemble performing works of Wendy Loomis. This ensemble uses poetry by Royal Kent, piano, flute, electric bass, percussion, and drums to present material with a positive message. Copus was formed in 1999 when Wendy and Royal began putting words and music together. Today they are not only a band but an independent record label, helping other artists put their music into the world.
Recently Copus performed the ‘First World Rhythm Opera’ Elements. This performance used video, dance, music, words both spoken and sung, and lighting to create a multimedia experience for its listeners. Stay tuned for announcements of future performances of this work.
“From San Francisco group COPUS comes one of the most intriguing, challenging, and ultimately satisfying albums of the year. The core of the group is composer, musical director and co-producer Wendy Loomis and Royal Kent, poet and co-producer. Together, they produce music that is part jazz, part classical, cerebral and sexy. Think of Copus as the love child of Jack Kerouac and Grace Jones.” Tom Kidd, Music Connection Magazine - Wendy Loomis
- Notes on the Composer
Both of these ensembles have Wendy Loomis as the composer and music director. Wendy is one of the most brilliant creative artists that I have had the pleasure of working with.
She has won awards for her compositions from organizations such as ASCAP, Unisong, and the Elite Artist Award from MusicDish.com. In addition to her extensive career as a performer and composer, Wendy also works as music director for an alternative church service in San Francisco and remains to be a popular piano teacher in the Bay Area.
Wendy has written 3 works for flute choir, that Flock of Flutes premièred. In May of 2008 Wendy will première ‘Six Powers of a Dragon’ to celebrate Flock of Flutes 10th Anniversary.