Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Jackson Citizen Patriot: Jackson Symphony Commissions Violin Concerto of Marcus Norris

Marcus Norris

Norris commissioned artist Jaleel Campbell to paint the GLORY cover artwork.

Marcus Norris sends this article from the Jackson Citizen Patriot [Jackson, Michigan]:

Brianne Twiddy

Published on mlive.com


Marcus Norris paces the floor. He knows he probably looks crazy, but it’s part of the creative process.

Norris, a 2009 Jackson High School graduate, is a music composer and producer. His creative process is mostly in his head, imagining the sounds and how it makes him feel.

Norris was commissioned by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra to compose his first violin concerto, which is a piece performed by a soloist accompanied by an orchestra.

The piece, titled “GLORY,” is being performed as part of the symphony’s Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto March 22-24 at Weatherwax Hall, 215 W. Michigan Ave.

“I like to capture the feelings and experiences instead of telling a literal story,” he said. “‘GLORY’ follows the protagonist, which is the violin. You can feel the heartbreaks, triumphs and anger musically.”

There isn’t an exact plot to the piece, but the audience will experience feelings they can assign to their own life experiences, Norris said.


All of his pieces are inspired by conversations, he said. “GLORY” came from a discussion with a friend about disadvantaged upbringings, and how hard a person has to work to make up for starting with nothing.

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Learn more about Marcus and his music at his website, www.MarcusNorris.com

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