Joseph Landers has been commissioned by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra to compose a new opera based on John Archibald’s play Pink Clouds. The composer has been named the “Sound Investment” composer-in-residence for the 2026-2027 season, and the new opera will premiere in May of 2027.

Archibald’s play is a gritty, brittle examination of the confusion over life and death in Alabama. A young newspaper reporter named Mack is perplexed by the human frailty that he witnesses and documents daily. The story of his journey is both professional (through his criticism of the prison system in Alabama) as well as personal in challenges he faces as a son, husband, and soon to be father in a very difficult world. Archibald, a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, is working directly with the composer in adapting his play for the opera.

Sonata for Violin and Piano

Daniel Szasz, violin

Alina Voicu , piano

Trio for Violin, Horn, and Piano

Daniel Szasz, violin

Kevin Kozak, horn

Eun-Hee Park, piano

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

"Concertmaster and Friends"

Brock Recital Hall

February 4, 2025

Thus Spoke the Giant

(2024)

percussion quartet

Tombeau for Mrs. Gloria N. Moody

 (2024)

poems by Edna St.Vincent Millay

Mezzo-soprano and orchestra

"Also around Stravinsky..." (2023)

clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola, cello and piano

Songs of the Earth and Sky (2023)

clarinet, violin, cello, piano

Songs of the Moon, Sea and Sky (2023)

poems by Lucine Finch 

Mezzo-soprano and alto flute