Desert Echoes Flute Project Chamber Ensemble

2020: The Year We Could Not Breathe by Adrian Dee  is an emotional and moving work that interprets the history and controversies of that year inspired by George Floyd’s repeated last words, “I can’t breathe”, the global pandemic of Covid-19 affecting our lungs and the need for hospital respirators when people could not breathe, and the wildfires burning the western US that filled the air with smoke affecting the ability of people to breathe in those affected areas. Whisper Network by Veronica Kao addresses informal channels to warn other vulnerable people about harassment, abuse or assault within a workplace or academic situation.  Agnus D.E.I. by Adrian Dee mourns the attempted erasure of progress made in societal equity among people who have faced prejudicial challenges, L’ombre du blanc (The shadow of white) by Sophie Dufeutrelle was composed in 2007 and published in 2025. The work explores differing shades of sound the flute can produce paired with a great groove section. White shadows are associated with a spiritual presence indicating a positive energy and may reflect a state of emotional clarity or enlightenment. The work perhaps reflects the idea that light can cast shadows revealing deeper truths.

The Desert Echoes Flute Project Chamber Ensemble is a varied ensemble presenting a diverse array of music including contemporary works from last year. The musicians play a range of flutes: piccolo, the unusual Eb flute, C flute, alto flute, bass flute, and the nine-foot contrabass flute and their programming frequently utilizes extended flute techniques creating a variety of expressive non-traditional sounds. All are members of the internationally recognized DEFproject flute choir from the Phoenix metropolitan area and perform in a variety of ensemble configurations. In addition to appearing on DEF concerts at the MCC Performing Arts Center, DEF Chamber musicians have been chosen to perform at the San Francisco International Flute Festival, several National Flute Association Conventions, the 2018, 2024, and 2026 International Low Flute Festivals, Oh My Ears concerts, the renowned Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention, the Portland Flute Fair, and the upcoming 2026 NFA convention. Members are also solo artists and orchestral performers. They are delighted to appear again at the OME Festival.