Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva Honors Composer Lawrence K. Moss with New Album Recorded at University of Mobile

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MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile's Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio played a central role in the creation of "Unseen Paths: A Tribute to Lawrence K. Moss," with the majority of the album recorded on campus.

Featuring Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, an internationally renowned pianist and professor of music at the University of Mobile, the collection celebrates the legacy of the celebrated American composer.

Released by Navona Records, Unseen Paths includes "A Life (Variations on an Elusive Theme), a series of 12 evocative piano pieces Moss dedicated to Onalbayeva. The album reflects Moss's boundless creativity, blending vibrant textures, spiritual themes and adventurous tonal landscapes.

Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio

The majority of the recordings were produced in July 2021 at the Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio in UM's Alabama School of the Arts under the direction of Alabama School of the Arts adjunct faculty member and session engineer Chris Springer of iNov8, Inc. The studio provides students professional-level experience collaborating with musicians and producers in the state-of-the-art recording studio.

A Long-Standing Collaboration

Onalbayeva's long-standing collaboration with Moss began in 2018 with her performance of his work "Ligeti Light" at Carnegie Hall, later recorded at the University of Maryland. Their partnership deepened through the development of "Unseen Paths," a project that Moss devoted the last years of his life to completing.

Gramophone Magazine Review

Gramophone magazine, in its August 2024 issue, praised Onalbayeva's contributions, stating:

"'A Life' finds an intrepid pianist (the vibrant Kadisha Onalbayeva) traversing 12 movements of haunting and colourful substance, complete with subtle percussion effects. It is a prime example of a curious composer keen to explore as many musical paths as possible." - Donald Rosenberg

An Extraordinary Experience

Onalbayeva expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to bring Moss's vision to life.

"I am deeply honored that Lawrence K. Moss entrusted me with 'A Life,' Collaborating with him on this project has been an extraordinary journey and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"His music, filled with vibrant colors, profound emotion, and innovative ideas, continues to inspire me. I am grateful for the privilege of preserving his remarkable legacy through this recording," said Onalbayeva, Steinway artist and director of piano studies at the University of Mobile, an All-Steinway School

About Lawrence Moss

Lawrence K. Moss (1927-2022) was a trailblazer in contemporary classical music, known for his compositions that spanned genres and pushed boundaries. His illustrious career included faculty positions at Mills College, Yale University and the University of Maryland, as well as numerous accolades, including two Guggenheim Fellowships and a Fulbright Scholarship.

UM Commitment to Excellence

"Unseen Paths" not only celebrates Moss's prolific career but also highlights the University of Mobile's commitment to excellence in the arts. By supporting projects of this caliber, the university reinforces its role as a hub for innovation, creativity, and the preservation of artistic legacies.

"Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, known around our halls as 'Dr. O,' embodies a deep commitment to excellence, innovation and Christian higher education as she leads our piano department as our resident Steinway Artist and director of piano studies," said Dr. Andrew Goodwin, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts.

"Her passion for cultivating the next generation of Christian musicians, combined with her inspiring leadership, continues to elevate our entire music department. She is a beloved professor, and I am profoundly grateful for her dedication to our students and the mission of the Alabama School of the Arts."

'Unseen Paths' Available Now

"Unseen Paths: A Tribute to Lawrence K. Moss" is available now on digital platforms through Navona Records.

For more information about Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva and the University of Mobile's Fisher-Brewer Recording Studio in the Alabama School of the Arts, visit umobile.edu.

Learn more about the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/um-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.

About the University of Mobile

The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university with a vision of "Higher Education for a Higher Purpose," founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, the university offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs.The University of Mobile was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu/um-info, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.

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