Composer Jeff Beal’s “The Great Circle” Captures the Four Natural Elements

Five-time Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal was recently commissioned by the New West Symphony to write a new orchestral work, The Great Circle, following the cataclysmic fires and mudslides in Southern California during 2017/2018. In a healing move to address those affected by the disasters (including the composer himself), Beal’s intention was to musically manipulate a listener’s senses to show how Earth, Air, Fire and Water, which can wield such destructive power, also bring about rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal, so we come full circle. The five-movement piece does just that, with both power and hypnotic nuance.

To complement The Great Circle, which premiered on Saturday, January 26, at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, the Symphony, celebrating its 25th anniversary, paired the masterful work with a performance of Mozart’s ‘Turkish’ violin concerto featuring renowned violinist Karen Gomyo, as well as Beethoven’s iconic 7th Symphony. Needless to say, Beal was in good artistic company and BMI was proud to attend such a groundbreaking event in support of him. Congratulations, Jeff, on a stunning performance of a timely and powerful work.