Summer 2025
DISPATCHES: a progress report
Dear Friends,
I've been dedicating this summer to composing my newest work: DISPATCHES from the CHARCOAL FOREST. Six beautiful singers have begun workshopping the piece, and will continue with its development and performance into next spring under the musical direction of Kelly Atkins of the Kitka women’s vocal ensemble. I could not be more pleased with the current progress and process, and I am completely taken by these voices singing the work that has only been recorded in my voice thus far.
in this issue:
+Progress Report: DISPATCHES from the CHARCOAL FOREST
+Work-in-Progress Listening at the Temescal Art Center in Oakland on August 28th
+The Good War, Book Release and Trailer by Elizabeth Costello
DISPATCHES from the CHARCOAL FOREST:
An expanded song cycle for 6 voices and soundscape
We begin our rehearsals with a composition created from the word “Fire" in the form of a round to conjure a building sense of urgency, sorrow, loss, call to action, and regeneration – the subject of this piece.
Listen to sound samples here: merlinman.com/dispatches
We have had three workshop rehearsals, which I’ve found eye-opening and thrilling. Though they are just the beginning, they already feel incredibly natural with this group that is completely game for experimentation and newness. We have embarked on a process of discovery and development of a whole new way of working with the unconventional compositional methods I employ. We have mostly focused on the mingling of singing voices with recorded spoken voices, and how to best learn the parts.
I am also taking an unusual approach of actively writing the piece as we go. Hearing sections with live voices informs further composing, and the individual voices serve as inspiration for me.
Producing this piece will require funds to go toward paying these fabulous singers, notation, sound engineering, publicity, documentation, venue and equipment rental, among other costs. I plan to begin a crowdsourcing campaign soon, so please stay tuned for opportunities to support.
DISPATCHES FROM the CHARCOAL FOREST will be presented at the MilkBar in Richmond in the spring of 2026.
More here: merlinman.com/dispatches
The Good War Book Release by Elizabeth Costello
My dear friend Elizabeth Costello recently had her first novel published - The story takes place in mid 20th century America, where a mother and daughter pursue science, art, autonomy, and agency in a male-dominated, war-damaged world.
The writing is atmospheric, lyrical, and psychologically astute, with a distinctly noir style, It’s a very good summer read, which I strongly recommend!
I was delighted to make a little music for the trailer along with Eric Oberthaler, and edited by Catherine Hollander.
Take a look here, as well as order a copy: elizabethscostello.com
Temescal Art Center Music Presents Return the Gift - Curated by Moe Staiano
On Thursday, August 28th on a shared evening with Ava Koohbor, I will present sound samples from DCF in the round with my quad setup.
Doors 7:30 / 8pm Show / Entry by donation
Return the Gift is a series of new sounds taking place on Thursday nights throughout August. Join us for these exciting pairings!
For more information:
instagram.com/tac_oakland
temescalartcenter.org/tacmusic