Sky Blue Pink

World premiere April 1, 2025 by flutist Rose Bishop–Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

One of the realities of growing up in rural Iowa was a long car ride home. But if it was at sunset, it could be a theatrical experience. I loved riding in the back seat on a late afternoon when there was a variety of clouds to filter the sun’s glare and paint the sky with colors. I was especially fascinated by the seemingly impossible blend of blue and pink, and when my mother asked me what my favorite color was, I told her “sky blue pink.” Of course it was impossible to find anything in that color! But for my birthday, she bought me a doll that had a dress that was exactly that! So this piece is dedicated to my mother, who appreciated nuance and could move mountains.

Sky Blue Pink is a lyrical piece, following a sunset drama that includes some dark threatening clouds but eventually resolves into a clear night sky with the first stars of the night. The tension between tonality and chromaticism reflects the sky’s changing colors. It’s a piece that gives both the flute and piano chances to sing and is a piece for all to enjoy.