John Duffy’s Indian Spirits Premieres in Jamestown, Virginia

John Duffy’s new work Indian Spirits, composed in celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia, will have its world premiere on Wednesday, May 11 by combined members of the Virginia and Richmond Symphony Orchestras conducted by JoAnn Falletta. An homage to American Indian culture, Duffy’s inspiration for Indian Spirits comes from the drawings made by British artist and explorer John White of Virginia Native Americans. The composer explains this inspiration:

"In his pictures, one sees sacred places for ritual and ceremony as well as large enclosed spaces for community planning and governance. There are even dedicated areas for sports, recreation and childrens’playgrounds."

Duffy was equally inspired by the launching of the Godspeed, a replica of the original ship that brought settlers from England to Virginia. That launching took place in Rockport, Maine in March, 2006. Weeks later Mr. Duffy watched Godspeed sail through Chesapeake Bay and into Hampton Roads, then up the James River. “My heart leapt to see that!” he exclaimed.

Indian Spirits was commissioned by the Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation 2007, in partnership with the Virginia Arts Festival and is dedicated to Dorothy Rouse-Bottom and Ray Bottom and Artistic Director of the Virginia Arts Festival, Rob Cross.

John Duffy
Indian Spirits (2007)
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For more information on John Duffy and his music please visit www.schott-music.com or www.johnduffy.com

To learn more on the Virginia Arts Festival go to www.virginiaartsfest.com