Recent news:
I have just completed the score for a documentary film titled The Lady Architect. A film by Moira Simpson and Chris McDowell.
The University of Washington’s Healing Heart Speaker Series, has invited me to speak about the commission I received from Upper Skagit Elder Vi “taqwšǝblu Hilbert and my journey to create a symphony based on two Sacred Coast Salish songs. Other speakers on this panel include Dr. Ryan Dudebostel. Dr. Dudenbostel conducted The Western Washington Orchestra’s performance of the work and David Rahbee. Mr. Rahbe will conduct The University Of Washington Orchestra in a February 6 performance of the symphony. This performance will be the fifth performance of the work.
On March 7, 2025 the Seattle Symphony performed The Healing Heart Of The First People Of This Land for the second time. The Mark Taper Auditorium in Benaroya Hall was completely sold out- 2500 people experienced the symphony. Here is an audience testimonial:
“I almost can’t articulate (but of course here I am trying to) how I felt hearing that music resonating through the most white institution I know, upending the abilities of conventional musical instruments and reweaving their sound into a symphony that was water, sky, earth and heart. A religious experience. Alexandra Dane
Seattle Symphony bows-Lisa Berg photo
The Five Seasons-abridged- (twenty-five minutes) presented on Friday May 31, 2024, in Kirk Hall, Victoria BC. Six vocalists, eleven players and ten dancers.
Testimonials
“It’s hard to find words to describe the excellence of the performance in every way: beautiful, expressive, strong yet poignant.”-audience member
“This work is timeless and will inspire audiences for generations. What you have conveyed is a gift and I thank you for it.”–audience member
“From its first notes, this work grips you and transports you. Technically remarkable, emotionally extraordinary, it’s a work of great power, beauty and insight. It’s a timeless and masterful achievement.”-audience member
I listened just now, before and after 5 AM. It’s just terrific. I love the composition and yr performers really kicked this upstairs with gorgeous expressive song flying out of them. Love their voices and ensemble sense. You got a hit here, mister. I’m sure audiences will love it every time. Peter Levitt- Poet
The Healing Heart Of The First People Of This Land
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES:
University Of Washington February 6 2026.
Some Reviews of past works
The Healing Heart Of The First People Of This Land
The Seattle Symphony–Mark Taper Auditorium 2006
“You have just heard a masterpiece“- Maestro Gerard Schwarz.
I can’t think of another piece of orchestral that has been as much of a living document as this one. I can’t wait to hear it again.-Dr. Ryan Dudenbostel-Director of Orchestral Studies-Universoty of Western Washington
EARTHPRAYERS an oratorio–Orpheum Theatre -Vancouver -1996
“Ruddell’s music is awesome…beautiful..exquisite, Ruddell writes gloriously for the voice…orchestrations as lush as Bruckner…the Death movement had the somber radiance of a Bach motet.”– The Vancouver Sun
“Ruddell’s music is uplifting…exhilarating… hypnotic… propulsive… sublime. moments of pure divinity…full of colour and variety…rhythmic surges that Frank Zappa or Igor Stravinsky would have been happy to claim…a breakout hit.”– The Georgia Straight