"We all need to be heard. We need an equal chance at something."
Judith Markovich is an experienced clarinetist, graduating with honors from Juilliard and performing in a variety of ensembles. But in 1980, everything took a turn when she found herself battling a life-threatening illness.
An "incredible miracle" led to her slow but steady recovery, along with help from the community and support she found in a non-denominational church. Her involvement with the music program included improvising and arranging, allowing her to "use skills that had laid dormant."
These newfound skills brought her joy, but also conflicting feelings.
"At my age, was it worth putting all of my time into something I was just learning to do?"
She followed her curiosity and started composing, seeing it as a way to create her legacy in this world.
"Being able to speak into people's lives is [a privilege] and I haven't looked back since."
Hear Judith Markovich's "Voices Long Kept Silent" performed by cellist Diane Chaplin on this week's Sound Currents, alongside other works from composers finding their voices and sharing their gifts with the world against all odds.
Scroll to the bottom to answer this week's "favorite piece" poll!
Hosts
Sascha Groschang
Laurel Parks
Guest
Judith Markovich, composer
Program
Voices Long Kept Silent
by Judith Markovich
Diane Chaplin - cello
Symphony No. 1 - II. Tarantella
by John Corigliano
Daniel Barenboim with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Gay Guerilla - Pt. I
by Julius Eastman, arr. by Jace Clayton
Jace Clayton - electronics, David Friend, Emily Manzo - piano
The Green Double - I. Protest Dancing
by Anthony Green
Orlando Cela with the Lowell Chamber Orchestra
Big Talk
by Shelley Washington
Shelley Washington, Jose Antonio Zayas Caban - baritone saxophone
