David A. Drewke-Cabrita, Composer

Symphony No. 1 in e minor “Stephan’s Quintet” for full Orchestra

On July 12, 2022, the James Web Space Telescope released its first images. Among these first looks at the stunning capabilities of the infrared space telescope was an image of the compact galaxy group, Stephan’s Quintet. Setting out to tackle the herculean task of composing my first symphony, I was immediately drawn in by the image. While static and unchanging to our eyes, such galaxy groups display in full force the true nature of the evolution of galaxies: Death, Destruction, and Rebirth. Through the cannibalism of one another, galaxies grow and develop. Such is the fate of the gravitationally bound members of Stephan’s Quintet.

Through cannibalism, they will merge to become one.

This is the story told through my music.

As the Symphony unfolds, we, the listeners, witness the inner turmoil of the grief-stricken celestial as their fateful end approaches. However, even with the promise of rebirth and renewal upon death’s arrival, fate can be difficult to accept.

Lament without Words

Opaline for String Orchestra