Releases of Note

Of possible interest:

•  The Merian Ensemble, The Book of Spells, Navona Records. "Comprised entirely of world premiere recordings, with works by Clarice Assad, Nicole Chamberlain, Jennifer Higdon, Mary Kouyoumdjian, Anne Leilehua Lanzilotti, Soon Hee Newbold, Kimberly R. Osberg, and Lynne Plowman,  each but one commissioned by the Merian Ensemble, The Book of Spells offers a gripping and intimate portrait of modern chamber music, performed with brilliance and precision by an ensemble of world-class soloists who are dedicated to the elevation of women’s voices in classical music." I've listened to the preview of this recording and liked it a lot.
• Shiuan Chang (composer), Earthing. William Wei, violin, and Evan Wong, piano. "Commissioned in 2020 by Dun Ren Hospital, a psychiatric facility in Taiwan, this album is a unique exploration of memory, understanding, and healing through music. Created for the hospital’s patients, the compositions are both a musical aid in their journeys and a reflection of composer Shiuan Chang’s own. Early in the composition process, Shiuan began to experience severe panic attacks, which transformed his creative path into one of personal introspection and resilience. The compositions resonate with empathy and connection, drawing from Shiuan’s experiences and the lives of Dun Ren’s patients, aiming to bring a sense of peace, familiarity, and shared understanding." I'm awaiting information on where this release can be purchased.
•  Zhenni Li-Cohen, A Letter, plays music of the Ukrainian composer Sergei Bortkiewicz (1877 - 1952). Lovely music in a 19th c. vein, beautifully played. Found on Spotify and YouTube Music.