Introducing Music for Shakuhachi Flute
Japanese Bamboo Flute
Nora Nohraku Suggs
Premiere of
Godai – Journey Through the Elements (五大– 五 大元素の旅).
in Five Movements
Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Void (or Space)
Friday, September 12, 2025
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
Shofuso Stage
Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
Earth (Chi 地)
“Earth (Chi 地)” is the first movement in D minor (RO) in my five-part in “Godai – Journey Through the Elements (五大– 五 大元素の旅).” It is a tribute to Earth, the mother ship of life.
The piece begins with a long, breath-filled note, symbolizing the Earth’s creation and the emergence of life. This evolves into a melodic theme that evokes a sense of safety and harmony, offering gratitude for the marvels of existence and the forces that sustain it. As you listen hold the earth in your hand symbolically and feel the magnetism. Silence moments through the score are part of the performance.
Shakuhachi Performance – Earth (Chi 地) ©2025 Pierre Bohemond (BMI)
Miller Symphony Hall
Allentown Symphony Chamber Music Program
It was a Fabulous Concert
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Composers and Musicians after the concert photo
Pierre and Nadia Bohemond (L) with Clarice Assad (R) after the concert
A special Thank You to the Allentown Chamber Music Program and to Clarice Assad for selecting my composition “Sueños y Susurros (Dreams & Whispers) for Jazz Trio and String Quartet to be performed live at the March 25, 2025 Concert by exceptionally talented musicians at Miller Symphony Hall.
“Sueños y Susurros” invites listeners into an intimate world where whispers seamlessly blend with dreams in a captivating, nocturnal atmosphere. The piece opens with the strings floating effortlessly like a dream, establishing a serene and ethereal tone. As the Jazz Trio enters with a soft whisper, the piano confidently introduces the melody, weaving an engaging dialogue between the two ensembles.
The composition champions a dynamic musical conversation—a captivating dance of call and response between the Jazz Trio and the String Quartet. With the piano’s right hand delivering variations on the theme, the strings echo in robust, rhythmic harmony, enriching the texture and depth. As the piece modulates, it reflects the ebb and flow of emotions shared in profound exchanges. The final chord lingers like a whisper, leaving a resonant impression as it concludes gracefully.
Thank You, Duo Étrange!
I am incredibly honored and exhilarated to have Lament of Juliet selected as one of the winning compositions for Duo Étrange’s 2024 Call for Scores.
The anticipation for the premiere in Montreal in the summer of 2025 fills me with joy, and I am over the moon that my work will now grace their repertoire for countless performances to come.
Thank you, Vanessa and Sahara, for this incredible opportunity!
“Share This World”
SATB Choir & Piano
Premiered December 9, 2024
by The Easton Area High School Choir
Directed by Pete Deshler
Special Thanks to Pete and the Easton Area High School Choir and Accompanist Mrs. Marie Miller for a great performance of my SATB Choir composition “Share This World”. Working on a video score of the performance. Will post soon. Check below the spectacular one minute ending video. Score available at JW Pepper:
https://beta.jwpepper.com/share-this-world-11561151-958139/p
ONE MINUTE ENDING – Share This World – EAHS Choir
Bubbly Prelude for Flutes and Piccolo
Performed by the Champagne Flutes
Premiered September 29, 2024
“I am deeply honored to have had my composition ‘Bubbly Prelude’ premiered by the incredibly talented Champagne Flutes Ensemble on Saturday, September 29th, in the afternoon, at College Hill in Easton, PA. The energy and enthusiasm with which each performer brought the piece to life made it a truly memorable occasion. My heartfelt thanks go out to every player for their outstanding performance and for making the concert such a joyful and uplifting experience. It was a privilege to hear ‘Bubbly Prelude’ performed with such finesse and artistry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with this exceptional ensemble.
Please enjoy this photo of the Champagne Flutes in action during the premiere performance!”
Program Notes:
When Myra first approached Pierre to compose a piece for the flute ensemble, inspiration struck immediately from their name, “The Champagne Flutes.” The image of bubbles and celebration became central to his vision, shaping the playful and lively character of the music. Bubbly Prelude was carefully crafted and revised seven times after attending rehearsals to fully capture the ensemble’s vibrant energy.
Bubbly Prelude, written for piccolo and four flutes, is gratefully dedicated to “The Champagne Flutes Ensemble.” Follow Partial Score on Music Page
Allentown Symphony Chamber Music
CONCERT
March 26, 2024
Group Picture After the Concert
MUSICIANS
Eliezer Gutman, Violin 1
Inna Eyzerovich, Violin 2
Pamela Jacobson, Viola
Hikaru Tamaki, Cello
John Arnold, Guitar
Matt Kuplack, Guitar
COMPOSERS
String Quartet by Michael Iorio
Sepharad – Violin and Guitar by Larry Lipkis
High and Slow Moving – Guitar and String Quartet by Kevin Kiernan
Tango Loulou – Guitar, Violin, and Cello by Pierre Bohemond
Dances and Interludes – Guitar and String Quartet by Howard J. Buss
Strum – String Quartet by Jessie Montgomery
Homeward, Wayward – Guitar and String Quartet by Keith Donaghue
MOSAIC Variations – Guitar and String Quartet by Clarice Assad
Rondo de Postino – Guitar and String Quartet by Tom Maher
Duet in C# Minor – Violin Duet by Anthony Mora Lopez
I’m happy to share that The Allentown Symphony Chamber Music Spring Concert will Premiere my new composition “Tango Loulou” for Classical Guitar, Cello and Violin on March 26th at The Lehigh Valley Charter School for the Arts in Bethlehem, PA.
I am very excited to be part of an incredible program that will include work by Clarice Assad MOSAIC VARIATIONS for string quartet and guitar is a reimagining of the original work co-created with more than 50 students from the Austin Classical Guitar program in 2021. And others listed above …
Tango Loulou was performed live at the ASO Chamber Music Concert on March 26, 2024
John Arnold, Guitar
Hikaru Tamaki, Cello
Eliezer Gutman, Violin
Listen to the live recording below:
LIVE PERFORMANCE “TANGO LOULOU” MARCH 26, 2024
Pierre Bohemond, composer 