Composer Gregory Brown is a longtime friend of PARMA and has had multiple albums released on the Navona Records label, including MOONSTRUNG AIR and most recently MISSA CHARLES DARWIN. The latter both provided inspiration for and was included in the bestselling novel Origin by his brother, author Dan Brown. Greg’s works have been performed worldwide,... Continue Reading →
Looking Back, Looking Ahead: 2018 Year-In-Review
While one could argue that the New Year is simply an arbitrary date, for some it does offer an opportunity to lift one’s head out of the currents of everyday activity and recalibrate. With the start of a new year and a new decade for the company, PARMA is taking some time to look back... Continue Reading →
Back in Action: Winter Sessions with the ZFO
After 30 years of dormancy following the rise of the Croatian War, the Zagreb Festival Orchestra is back in action, taking on the recording projects of today’s top composers. Alongside recording the score for a Kennedy Center live performance by Zak Engel, the ZFO worked diligently in studio with two accomplished composers: PARMA veteran Michael... Continue Reading →
January 2019: New Releases from Navona and Ravello Records (Pt. 2)
For many, January is synonymous with new beginnings. As a fresh new year commences, we are inspired by new goals, resolutions, and a drive to make each year better than the last. With that comes the year's first releases from Navona and Ravello Records, featuring an ecoacoustic collection of glacier music, the results of budding... Continue Reading →
World Premiere of Gregory W. Brown’s Malta-Inspired Masterpiece
This February, a longtime friend and PARMA artist will be joining forces with PARMA’s Project Director to bring a unique and stunning commissioned work to life in a setting fit for the piece. Composer Gregory W. Brown’s newly-commissioned Harmonies of Opposites will be performed in its world premiere on February 2 by the Malta Philharmonic... Continue Reading →
The Inside Story: Stas Namin and CENTURIA S-QUARK
Stas Namin is a cult figure in Russia: he is a musician, composer, and producer; an artist and photographer; and a director and producer of theatrical stage productions and films. Stas is one of the founders of Russian rock music: he fronted legendary band The Flowers and was creator and producer of rock band Gorky... Continue Reading →
The Inside Story: Chase Hawkins and GREAT SOUTHERN LAND
Growing up on a farm outside of Spartanburg SC, Dr. Phillip Chase Hawkins serves as Principal Trumpet with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 2013. He is also a member of the cornet section in Fountain City Brass Band and is an active performer on historical instruments as a member of... Continue Reading →
January 2019: New Releases from Navona and Ravello Records (Pt. 1)
For many, January represents new beginnings. As a fresh new year commences, we are inspired by goals, resolutions, and a drive to make each year better than the last. With that comes the year's first releases from Navona and Ravello Records, featuring a groundbreaking symphony inspired by conversations with Stephen Hawking, a powerhouse saxophone and... Continue Reading →
The Inside Story: Hakan Toker and TOKER MESSING AROUND
Pianist, composer, and accordionist Hakan A. Toker is from Mersin Turkey. He studied classical music in Turkey and the United States, graduating from Indiana University School of Music (BM), where he double majored in piano and composition. Besides his formal education, he is mostly self-taught in the fields of improvisation, jazz, and world music. To date, he... Continue Reading →