This concert also includes a new work by Carlos Simon, a native of Atlanta, Georgia whose music ranges from concert music for large and small ensembles to film scores with influences of jazz, gospel and neo-romanticism. His Loop for string trio was originally commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in 2020. According to Simon, “The pandemic of COVID-19 has continued to influence my social, professional and personal life in ways that I never imagined. Day to day life has been like a continuous “loop”; a never-ending quarantine loop. This piece reflects my feelings about the mandated stay-at-home order during this crisis.” Simon was named as one of the recipients of the 2021 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, and his commissions include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Washington National Opera and the American Composers Orchestra.