Steven Rickards

Composer Steven Rickards used his renewal period “to find quiet space and time, to regroup and renew, and to focus on my own artistic vision, energy, and creativity." To accomplish this, he spent the summer of 2016 in Daytona Beach, walking many miles a day for quiet contemplation and listening to the waves. During this trip, he composed music for an Evensong service, a traditional evening service of prayer and music in Episcopal and Anglican churches. His travels took him and his partner to Bermuda for sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and riding the ferry from Hamilton and St. George's to the Dockyard. The renewal also afforded Rickards the opportunity to perform at the Berkeley Early Music Festival in California. He says, “It was during this festival that I was able to hear colleagues perform and continue my growth as a practitioner of early music.”

This creative renewal process provided Rickards with time for rest and creative activity. He composed and published several new works that are now available for performance. He also made useful professional contacts during his trip to Bermuda that may result in touring opportunities for his ensemble, Echoing Air. The time away also afforded Steven the opportunity to spend quality time with his partner. “Good relationships need to be fed. We found sustenance in the beautiful scenery, interesting people, exquisite music, and wonderful food.”