PARTNERS
MEMO duo has worked with the following partners:
ZACK BROWNING//
Composer
Zack Browning (b. 1953) is a composer whose music is described as “way-cool in attitude…speed-demon music” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) and “propulsive, giddy, rocking… a rush of cyclic riffs and fractured meters” (The New York Times). The Irish Times proclaimed he is “bringing together the procedures of high musical art with the taste of popular culture”. His solo album Banjaxed on Capstone Records has been called “the aural equivalent of the pinball machine. Imagine sassy, brilliant bumpers with each slam of the ball sending a glitter of lights and mechanical twitters through your chest.” (American Record Guide). His recent solo albums Soul Doctrine, Secret Pulse, and Venus Notorious are available on Innova Recordings. Browning is an Associate Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois and director of the Salvatore Martirano Memorial Composition Award. (www.zackbrowning.com)
Browning's commissioned piece "Cosmic Changes" was premiered as part of the show "Relive" at the National Flute Association's 51st Convention in Phoenix, AZ, August 3, 2023
Brandon K. Smith//
Composer
Brandon K. Smith (b. 1994) is an Atlanta based composer and arranger currently studying for his master’s degree at the Georgia State University School of Music. He has had several pieces performed at Georgia State, including instrumental pieces and a set of art songs, one of which was selected for the 2019 Midwest Music Symposium. In April 2020, he received first place in the musical composition category of the Georgia State Undergraduate Conference, for a presentation and composition dedicated to mathematical techniques in traditional flamenco music. In November 2019, He was commissioned to write a choral/orchestral composition for Coro Vocati, a professional choir based in Atlanta. The piece “Starry Night” premiered February 2020 and was also featured on NPR “City Lights”. In April 2019, His wind ensemble piece “Oceans” received 2nd place at Georgia State’s 5th annual wind ensemble composition contest. Upcoming projects include an album of original art songs, a chamber opera, and a suite for the acclaimed flute and harp chamber group MEMO duo.
Brandon is also an avid performer, teacher, and director in the Atlanta area. In 2019 he founded Leading Tone, Georgia State’s first chamber choir and he currently serves as the group’s artistic director and primary vocal arranger. Brandon is currently executive producing a virtual choir album for the group. Performing credits include concerts with acclaimed composers Eric Whitacre and Caroline Shaw, and acclaimed ensembles Georgia State University Singers, the University of Pittsburgh Men’s Glee Club, and the GMEA All State Senior Mixed Choir. Teaching credits include piano and voice lessons with Play More Music in Atlanta, Bach to Rock Music School in Alpharetta, and Community Music Centers in Decatur. He currently serves as the tenor section leader at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and on the advisory board of the Peach State Opera.