Compositions
“Composition is the strongest way that I can express my emotions. When I compose, sometimes I sit down and try to carve out musical ideas, such as a simple melody and an accompaniment. Generally, however, the music comes at absolutely random times, and I rush to notate it. Sometimes, it even arrives in my sleep!”
Nikka, from a Spotlight Interview with From The Top/Behind the Mic
When We Used to Dance
When We Used to Dance was created to showcase the virtuosity and range of the flute, from the operatic introduction to the vivacious waltz section, which includes a surprise jazz swing in the accompaniment. It was premiered at Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center, with Vivian Fan on piano.
Tempest
Nikka’s composition Tempest was premiered as an encore at her recent recital, The Virtuoso Flute (Mason House Concert Series). Originally for flute and string orchestra, Nikka adapted it for a flute/piano duet and performed it with Vivian Fan.
Valse Infernale
Nikka’s piece Valse Infernale for orchestra earned the 1st Prize at the Pacific Musical Society & Foundation Composition Competition (up to age 25). The Foundation is the oldest active musical organization in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has nurtured the growth and careers of many young classical musicians, with former winners including musical luminaries such as Yehudi Menuhin. It was judged by the Grammy-award winning composer Mason Bates.
Three Voices: Subject 1
Watch Nikka’s composition Three Voices masterfully choreographed by Tyler Duncan (Juilliard Dance ‘27) for the Juilliard Dance Workshop, performed by Nikka Gershman (flute), Dovie Lepore-Currin (piano), and Sydney Jenkins (viola). It flows seamlessly into Nikka’s arrangement of Schnittke’s Polka. Featuring dancers Georgia Greene, Joshua Armstrong, Freddy Harner-Rondon, Quinn Kuch, and Ryan Sherk.
Three Voices
The flute, violin, and piano are featured with their unique melodies in this trio composition by Nikka Gershman. Written in the style of a romance, the waltz-like meter gives it an effect of both singing and dancing. Performed by Nikka, Sophie Leung, and Vivian Fan at Zipper Hall, Colburn Music Academy.
The Tears of Winter
The Tears of Winter was composed by Nikka and performed by a chamber ensemble formed by musicians of the Colburn Academy and Conservatory: Jim Walker, Ezra Shcolnik, Charlotte Marckx, and Angela Rose Padula. It was awarded the prestigious “Libby Larsen” Prize at the International Alliance for Women in Music’s 41st annual Composition Competition.
Echo
This project was composed during the pandemic in isolation by Nikka Gershman and performed by Dillon Ring, saxophone and Nikka Gershman, flute.
Respiro
Respiro or breath is a vital function, it is what the wind instrument is filled with to come alive or resonate with sound. In order to “sing”, the flute literally takes the breath away from the flutist, magically it morphs the ephemeral breath into palpable substance of notes. In this way the listener “breathes” in the music and becomes one with the performer, composition, space, and the instrument all at once. Respiro premiered on Sunday, August 22, by the LA Jewish Symphony.
Solitude
Composed by Nikka Gershman and dedicated to Glenn Gould for his 88th birthday.
Une Histoire
Composed by Nikka Gershman and performed by Laurentia, Theo, and Nikka for the Harvard Westlake School during the isolation caused by the pandemic.
Tear
A short animated film by Nikka Gershman; music score “Ode to Dark” by Nikka Gershman.