Garrop’s Invictus Joins Cedille’s Acclaimed Catalog of Career-Defining Recordings

Composer Stacy Garrop’s newest creation, Invictus, is a powerful piano concerto written for celebrated Chicago pianist Marta Aznavoorian. This sweeping work will receive its world premiere in October in Chicago’s acoustically superior Harris Theater as part of the Ear Taxi Festival, a vibrant local showcase for contemporary music. Cedille will record the concerto (in the same space with the same performers) shortly afterward. The piece is slated for digital release in 2026, paired with Marta’s performance of another recent Garrop commission, Joie de vivre for solo piano. Together, these works reflect the breadth of Garrop’s compositional voice — from fierce determination to exuberant celebration.

A Chicago-based composer known for her vivid musical storytelling, Garrop has long been a part of Cedille Records’ distinguished catalog. She credits Cedille’s recordings with introducing her work to new audiences and musicians around the world — connections that have led directly to new commissions. Stacy has declared,

“Without Cedille’s recordings of my music, my career would not be where it is today. The remarkable quality of Cedille’s artists and production team, coupled with the great amount of promotional work that they do to get these recordings disseminated, reviewed, and played on airwaves, is what has brought my music to national and international attention. I am thrilled to be working with the Cedille team and artists, and am thankful for Cedille’s focus on sharing Chicago-area artists’ work with the world.”

This concerto is the latest chapter in a career that continues to blossom through such artistic partnerships.

The concerto’s title, Invictus — Latin for “unconquered” — speaks to themes of resilience and triumph. Written specifically for Aznavoorian, the piece capitalizes on her virtuosic technique and deeply expressive playing, blending sweeping lyricism with rhythmic vitality. This close collaboration between composer and soloist, combined with the authoritative playing of the Chicago Philharmonic under its Artistic Director, Scott Speck, promises a premiere performance of both technical brilliance and emotional depth, making it one of the most anticipated events of the Ear Taxi Festival.

Following the festival premiere, the recording at the Harris Theater will capture not only the notes on the page, but the electricity and immediacy of this special artistic moment. Once released, this pairing of Invictus and Joie de vivre will join Cedille’s catalog, extending the reach of Garrop’s music far beyond the concert hall and allowing listeners worldwide to experience these works on demand.

With Invictus, Stacy Garrop continues to demonstrate why she is one of today’s most compelling voices in contemporary classical music. And with Cedille Records’ commitment to recording, producing, and promoting Chicago’s finest artists, the impact of this music will resonate for years to come — offering inspiration, joy, and a testament to the power of artistic collaboration.