I wrote "Gelukkig" for the UTPB String Ensemble, directed by my father, Thomas Hohstadt. I had a fairly short window of time to write the piece this past summer, and did most of the work flying home from a trip to visit family. I wanted the piece to be fun, so I integrated a jazz-swing style, using classical construction techniques of thematic development.

The 'slow' section of the piece is more melancholy, by way of contrast, and the work ends in a spirit of triumph.

Since jazz influences stem from Africa, and I wanted the work to be mostly 'happy', I looked for the word 'happy' in Africaans, hence "Gelukkig".

I enjoyed attending and coaching the UTPB ensemble in their process of learning it. I am proud of the work they gave to put it together. For many of them, this was their first encounter with a modern classical style, and they seemed enamored with the idea that they were playing something written by someone they had gotten to know. As a result, in the concert, I felt their sincerity and desire to 'give it their best'.

Hope you enjoy!

Gelukkig (for String Orchestra) was written for and performed by the UTPB String Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Thomas Hohstadt. "Gelukkig" is Afrikaans for "Happy".