Poppy

Poppy (2026) for flexible winds and strings was commissioned by the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in partnership with El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley. The piece is titled after and inspired by California's state flower, the golden poppy, and reflects on the joy, energy, and necessity of the nature that surrounds us. Through spirited syncopation, sunny melodic gestures, and a sparkling sound world, Poppy celebrates the vibrant voices of the entire ensemble.