Nebula
for orchestra (2024)
Duration: 2 to 3 minutes
Instrumentation: 3[1.2.pic].2.2.2 – 3.2.0.1 – tmp+1 (perc: sus cym, crot, vib] – opt pno – str
Premiere: Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Beach, VA, 2024
A nebula is a region in space that contains a scattered combination of cosmic matter and radiation. Often the birthplace of stars, nebulae can be so vast as to encompass hundreds of light years in distance. This brief piece is but a glimpse of this expanse—a space in search of structure.
Nebula was composed for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on a family-themed program centered around the concept of rhythm. Challenged to write a piece with no rhythm, Kim imagined this composition, consisting entirely of held whole notes, with different instruments incrementally weaving in and out of the texture. The overall effect is one of stillness—but with an appreciation of beauty within stillness.
Paul Sanho Kim 