About the Evening

Join us for a one-of-a-kind Live Recording Party at Café Postale as we revisit the stunning song cycle Song of Myself, commissioned by Salt Creek Song Festival in May 2024. This innovative work, inspired by Walt Whitman’s iconic poetry, combines piano, electronics, and three baritone voices to create a powerful and modern musical experience.

Gather with us in the warm, vibrant atmosphere of Café Postale to enjoy a drink, connect with fellow Salt Creekers, and be part of the magic as we record this incredible piece live. This is your chance to witness a unique performance and become part of its legacy.

About the Music

Song of Myself, commissioned by Salt Creek Song Festival, is a groundbreaking song cycle that brings Walt Whitman’s poetry to life through an innovative blend of piano, electronics, and three baritone voices. This work stands out for its ability to merge the timelessness of Whitman’s texts with a modern musical language, creating a deeply evocative and immersive experience for listeners. Highlighting themes of individuality, unity, and human connection, Song of Myself is celebrated for its bold and fresh approach to storytelling through music, offering both performers and audiences a unique and transformative journey.

About the Artists

Philip Daniel is a pianist and composer known for his evocative music that blends classical elements, minimalist soundscapes, and cinematic qualities. With ten studio albums and over 30 million listens online, Daniel is a sought-after artist, creating music for film, dance, and live performance. Commissioned for the 2024 Salt Creek Song Festival season, Philip brings Song of Myself, a meditation on Walt Whitman’s texts, back to life, performing the parts for both piano and electronic components.

Brandon Bell is a rising baritone making his mark on the operatic and concert stages across North America. Recent highlights include his role debut as Marcello in La Bohème with Borderland Arts Foundation, Moralès in Carmen with Virginia Opera, and the Baker in Into the Woods with Union Avenue Opera, where critics praised his “strong dramatic baritone” and “expressive acting and vocals.” A champion of new music, Bell has premiered works with organizations such as Fort Worth Opera and Des Moines Metro Opera, and he has been featured in performances with the Santa Fe Opera, Utah Opera, and Brooklyn Art Song Society. A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Bell has participated in prestigious artist programs, including Pittsburgh Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute. This summer, he will join the Marlboro Music Festival as a musician in residence, continuing his commitment to impactful and innovative artistry.

William Shomos is the Director of Opera and Professor of Voice at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where his acclaimed productions range from classics like La Bohème to world premieres such as Tyler White’s O Pioneers!. His work has earned national recognition, including multiple first-place awards from the National Opera Association. A sought-after stage director, Shomos has collaborated with renowned companies like Des Moines Metro Opera and Opera Omaha, and his projects have spanned internationally, including directing and performing in Wagner’s Tannhäuser in Albania.

Jared Hiscock is a baritone, co-founder, and artistic director of the Salt Creek Song Festival, Nebraska's first art song festival. A former Holland Community Opera Fellow with Opera Omaha, he has developed inclusive programming for organizations such as Quality Living Inc., Nelson Mandela Elementary, and the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility. Recent performances include Argento’s The Andrée Expedition, the world premiere of Kurt Knecht’s Dover Beach/Dover Bitch, and roles in Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, and Little Women.