Selected Compositions

Inescapable Spiral

Commissioned by International Contemporary Ensemble (2017). Duration flexible: 5-30min.

“There are a few possible ways that celestial bodies can orbit the Earth. One is called the “spiral impact” orbit, in which it is inevitable for one celestial body to be pulled towards the greater object in an “inescapable spiral” until they ultimately collide.” —Nicole M. Mitchell 

Inescapable Spiral is a “variable process” piece for five or more instruments of any kind, for musicians with a wide range of playing abilities. This piece can be played with a mixture of students and professional musicians. The work is a collection of short pieces. Some are traditionally notated and others are hybrid graphic scores. Each piece is between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long. Each piece is named a color with the intent that the order of pieces can be rearranged with or without repetition, depending on the desired duration of the piece and the number of instruments. 

Cult for Electromagnetic Connectivity

Commissioned by the Chicago Symphony for Music NOW (2019). Duration 12 min.
"In a dimension humans cannot perceive, the outpouring of electromagnetic radiation from digital technology excites invisible creatures into a frenzied dance as they begin to redesign our physical reality. For better or worse?" Nicole Mitchell                                                         
Instrumentation for five players: 1 flute, 1 bass clarinet (Bb clar double), 1 violin, 1 cello, perc (one player): 1 concert bass dr, 1 18" crash cymbal, 1 24" crash, 1 23-26" ride, 4 toms (10", 12", 16", 18"), 3ft of 5/16" steel coil chain, 1 glockenspiel

Flight for Freedom for Creative Flute and Orchestra

Commissioned by the Chicago Sinfonietta 2012, Duration 15 min.
Designed to feature a flute soloist, Flight for Freedom celebrates Harriet Tubman, one of America's greatest heros, through the musical illustration of her courage, hardship, vision and creativity while illuminating one of the most volatile periods of American history. Tubman was a champion for human rights through her work in the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. In the work, I draw connections between African American cultural expression and the orchestra by weaving jazz aesthetics, improvisation and classical music. Although there are jazz elements throughout the piece, rhythms are phrased directly as they should be interpreted, without the need to "swing" them. The flute soloist has the option to play the entire part as written in the score, or can also be free to improvise in sections that are labeled "improvised."

Waterways Beneath the Polar Ice Shelf

Commissioned by the National Flute Association for the Young Artists Competition (2023), Duration 8min. Flute and piano.
The polar ice shelf in the North Pole helps to regulate the earth’s climate. While on the surface, one may witness pristine stillness, beneath is a magnitude of incredible activity. One can only imagine the invisible ice mountains and rivers, being sculpted by nature, improvised in each moment. This was a fascinating concept to me, and also something to draw attention to because the melting of the polar ice shelf is the cause of the recent rise of sea levels as the result of our climate crisis. 
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Birdsongs for Equitable Togetherness

Commissioned by Carol Wincenc. For any number of flutists (2 to 100). Duration 3-10 min.

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For a comprehensive list of compositions click here

List of Compositions

Additional Compositions

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  • Symbology (5-20min)

    Symbology (2005) is a piece for any number of musicians at any performance level. It serves as a wonderful introduction to graphic scores and improvisation. The piece has three short movements that can be played forward or backwards.

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  • The Unwinding for flute, hand drum and cello (5min)

    The Unwinding was commissioned by the Fuse Ensemble, Richmond, 2024. Program Note: Sometimes life is too deep and too complicated. But, in the case of The Unwinding for flute, cello and frame drum, imagine that a group of friends has a chance to share with each other what’s on their minds. They get into some playful debates, but after few questions, concerns and a few jokes, they finally release into a more open space of relaxed enjoyment.

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  • A Much Deserved Ass Whooping

    A Much Deserved Ass Whooping for bass clarinet was commissioned in 2020 by Bang on A Can with generous support from Lawrence Greenfield.

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  • No Matter What for String Quartet + Flute or Piccolo

    Originally written for Black Earth Strings improvising ensemble, this arrangement is fully composed with sections that can invite improvisation if desired.

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  • Southside Love Letter

    Southside Love Letter (fl, Bb clar, vln, cello, harp, amplified string bass, perc) is Mitchell’s tribute to Chicago for ensemble and electronics. It is accompanied by electronically processed field recordings that touch some moments of Mitchell’s inspiration living on Chicago’s southside. The electronics can be played on stereo speakers, or on a 8 channel setup. Southside Love Letter was commissioned by the Fromm Music Foundation.

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