All of us at Canyon Records would like to congratulate composer James DeMars for receiving the Arizona Governor’s Arts Award.

When R. Carlos Nakai began working with Canyon in the early 1980s, he told us that one of his major goals was to perform with symphonies and to bring the Native American flute to the classical world.  In 1986, Canyon commissioned for Nakai the first concerto for Native American flute and orchestra, Spirit Horses.  The commission was awarded to James DeMars who would go on to write extensively for Nakai, including Two World Concerto which Nakai has performed with over twenty-five symphonies including the Philadelphia Orchestra.  In the 1990s Canyon would release three albums (Spirit Horses, Native Tapestry, Two World Concerto) featuring Nakai performing DeMars’ compositions.  The latest release for DeMars and Nakai is Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Roses, a concert opera based on the story of Juan Diego’s encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe.  DeMars composed the Native American flute part as if it was a vocal soloist, scoring the flute to interact with the lead vocalista.  This technique required a performer like Nakai with extensive orchestral experience.

The Governor’s Arts Award was bestowed on DeMars for Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Roses making him the first composer to receive this honor in Arizona history.  Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Roses is also available as a DVD of the premiere concert.