For Haider Riaz, the first orchestra concert of the season was an unforgettable experience. His original composition, “To the Memory of Shiver-Me, the CAT,” was premiered by the 5X Orchestra on Sept. 29, marking a significant artistic milestone for the young composer and offering the audience a moving tribute to a beloved pet.
Riaz, a doctoral student in the Glauser School of Music studying music theory-composition, composed the eight-minute piece in just 25 days. He said he found inspiration in the memory of Shiver-Me, a cat who had been part of his household. The composition blends lively, playful sections with more somber, reflective passages, capturing themes of life, loss and acceptance.
"I wanted to create something that could express the full spectrum of emotions I felt," Riaz told Kent State Today. "There’s a celebration of life, but also a deep sense of mourning. I aimed to capture both the joy and the pain."
Composing for the orchestra under a tight deadline challenged Riaz to refine his approach. He focused on creating a piece that was complex yet accessible for the undergraduate musicians who would be performing it.
"I had to be very practical with my writing," Riaz said. "I’m used to writing large-scale works, but for this, I had to balance my vision with the performers' abilities and time constraints."
Hearing the composition performed live for the first time brought a mix of excitement and introspection for Riaz. The live dynamics and interpretations added new layers to the music, revealing dimensions he had not anticipated.
"There were moments where the orchestra exceeded my expectations," Riaz said. "The percussion section, in particular, brought a powerful intensity that matched the spirit of the piece."
The opportunity to premiere Riaz’s work came as part of the vision of Isaac Terceros, assistant professor and orchestra director at Kent State. Terceros wanted the first concert of the season to feature a student's composition to create a deeper connection with the Kent State community.
"I thought it was important to give a voice to one of our students," Terceros said. "Featuring a student’s work in our first concert sends a message that we value what our students are creating, and it’s a chance for them to gain real-world experience."
Terceros told Kent State Today that including a student composition in the concert wasn’t just about showcasing talent but also about creating an inspiring atmosphere for everyone involved.
"It was an honor to bring a piece connected to Kent State to life," Terceros said. "You could see how it resonated with the orchestra and the audience."
The world premiere of "To the Memory of Shiver-Me, the CAT" reflects Kent State's dedication to offering students real-world opportunities that help them grow as artists. For Riaz, the experience of having his work performed by the orchestra has opened doors for future projects, including new compositions for the university’s saxophone choir and a string quartet.
This is not the first time Riaz's work has been noticed. In 2023, his original composition "Pisces" was premiered by the Cleveland Chamber Symphony.
Riaz noted the importance of these experiences.
"It’s valuable to have opportunities like this where you can hear your music performed by real musicians,” he said. “It’s something that helps you grow as a composer."