World Premiere Details

• Location: Benaroya Hall, Seattle

• Date: June 8th | 7:30 PM

• Performers: Professional Musicians of the Seattle Symphony

• Tickets: Free RSVP tickets are available now!

"Blue Velvet Cake" is a six-minute musical narrative exploring the profound relationship between a mother and her autistic daughter. This work goes beyond merely describing the neurodivergent experience; it gives a voice to those who often remain unheard. The musical fabric of the piece is woven from live instruments and a unique electro-acoustic layer created with the participation of neurodivergent children.

This premiere is presented as part of the Seattle Symphony’s Young Composers Workshop, performed by the world-class musicians of the Seattle Symphony. This work is a direct extension of my mission with the Hearts in Harmony program (ConChord Music), which aims to promote autism awareness and create inclusive musical spaces for everyone.

The Voices Of The Project:

MEET ANNA SOLODOVA AND SOPHIA

In anticipation of the premiere on June 8, we would like to introduce you to the incredible participants of the electroacoustic recording for our piano trio—Anna Solodova and her 8-year-old daughter, Sophia. The project is symbolically named Blue Velvet Cake, honoring Sophia’s favorite color, blue, which deeply resonates with many children on the autism spectrum.

Living in Redmond, Anna and Sophia brought a unique, vibrant energy to the project. The primary goal of their participation was to capture the sounds of their everyday life and explore new musical instruments. These instruments were generously provided by the Arts for Hearts organization, and they were played by Sophia herself alongside another wonderful girl on the autism spectrum (ASD).

Sophia has problems with speech. While expressing her thoughts through words is challenging, she perceives and hears the world with incredible depth and nuance. She is remarkably sensitive and curious, adores music, easily mimics surrounding sounds, and deeply loves to sing.

Her mother, Anna, is a life coach who helps people navigate various life challenges. A significant part of her work is dedicated to counseling parents whose children have been diagnosed with autism or ADHD. Anna is actively involved in autism awareness, openly sharing moments from their daily life to show that autism is not a sentence, but a different, profound way of experiencing the world.

"Speaking out about the challenges and daily realities of families raising children with autism is absolutely critical. Society needs to see these children, understand them, and accept them," Anna says.

"When Nina invited us to participate in her project, we agreed without a second thought. For our family, this event holds immense meaning, and I am certain it will bring hope to many other parents. Music is vital for children with autism. It doesn’t just soothe them and help relieve stress; it literally transforms the brain, helping to develop new neural pathways where ordinary speech falls short. Nina’s project is the pure magic of co-creation. We wholeheartedly thank Nina and the amazing musicians of the Seattle Symphony for this unique opportunity to be part of a real creative process."

For Anna and Sophia, this project became an organic continuation of their friendship with Nina. They are regular and devoted attendees of the inclusive live music concerts, which Nina has been organizing since 2024.

Symbolism and Structure:

The Color Blue: The title and concept reflect the color blue - the most preferred and soothing color within the autism community. For many neurodivergent individuals, blue symbolizes peace, depth, and a shield from the sensory noise of the outside world.

Part I: Exploration (Stimming & Hyperactivity). The piece opens with a world of repetition - "stimming" in sound. These repetitive motifs provide a sense of safety and predictability. This section features a track recorded by a neurodivergent child, capturing the joyful exploration of kalimba, xylophone, and bells.

Part II: Sensory Overload & Meltdown. The harmonies become tense and dense. Another young neurodivergent artist contributed to this section, helping develop complex harmonic layers and recording thunder effects and expressive percussion. This is the sonic embodiment of a moment when the world becomes too bright and loud.

Part III: Agitato & Healing. After the emotional peak comes a time of stillness and recovery. We hear dialogues and a mother and daughter singing together—their personal lullaby.

The Finale: The piece concludes with the most peaceful sound imaginable—the purring of a cat named Zorro, as the mother and daughter finally fall asleep. The final repetitions return not as hyperactivity, but as a meditative, rhythmic pulse of safety.

Acknowledgments: Created within the Merriman-Ross Family Young Composers Workshop, the electro-acoustic layer was made possible with instruments provided by Arts for Hearts studio. "Blue Velvet Cake" is a bridge between worlds, built on acceptance and love.