Nestled along the Colorado River a few miles north of Moab, Utah, an expanse of striking geological formations remain from when an ancient sea deposited a salt bed. During the process in which that ancient sea evaporated and became replaced by stratified younger rock, the spires, arches, and monoliths of Arches National Park were formed through both wind and water erosion. 300 million years later, more than 2 million people make the pilgrimage to Arches National Park to observe these geological features in person. Equally a meditation on the formation process for Arches National Park and a depiction of a day out hiking among the ancient monuments, Carving Arches is a peaceful work for alto flute and bassoon that captures the natural beauty of the United States of America.
Carving Arches was commissioned by the SoundCraftEd Chamber Consortium Project, Cayla Bellamy and Megan Lanz, lead commissioners, with the premiere and recording forthcoming. At this time, the consortium funding the work is still open.
Carving Arches is under exclusivity until 2026, at which time it will be made available at Trevco Music.