“The work of the composer is perplexing because, while I actually manipulate musical materials to create the music itself, I am also simply the vessel through which the music speaks and tells me what it is to become.”

In Time of Trees, written for and commissioned by pianist Nicholas Ross, had its premiere in Virginia on September 27, 2026. 

April 2026 release from Centaur Records

Gregory Mertl (b. 1969):

Pears on a Sill (2007)
Souffle et Contresouffle (1996)

Pictures Without an Exhibition (2020)
Heather Shea Lanners, piano

2017 release from Bridge Records

Gregory Mertl (b. 1969):

Afterglow of a Kiss (2000)
Immanuel Davis, flute, University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble, Craig Kirchhoff, conductor

Empress (1998)
University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble, Craig Kirchhoff, conductor

Piano Concerto (2008-2010)
Solungga Liu, piano, University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble, Craig Kirchhoff, conductor

2023 release from Frameworks Records

Gregory Mertl (b. 1969):

A Seeker’s Song (2006)
Kenneth Meyer, guitar

The title track is a solo guitar piece composed specifically for Ken Meyer. It’s the only non-vocal track on the album. 

Upcoming Performances

In Time of Trees
Nicholas Ross, piano
Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1:00 p.m.
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia

In Time of Trees
Nicholas Ross, piano
Tuesday, September 29th, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge
Charlottesville, VA

In Time of Trees
Nicholas Ross, piano
Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

“Spinning Waltz” from Pears on a Sill
“Nocturne to Quiet the Childish Heart” from Two Nocturnes
Heather Lanners, piano
Sunday, October 11, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
Greenwood School of Music
Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK

Two Nocturnes
Heather Lanners, piano
Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan

“Spinning Waltz” from Pears on a Sill
Two Nocturnes
Heather Lanners, piano
Friday, November 6, 2026
Albion Piano Festival
Albion College
Albion, Michigan

New Work (commissioned by Dat Bolwerck)
Two Nocturnes
Plainte
Heather Lanners, piano
Saturday, April 24, 2027
Subtly Sculptural Exhibition and Commission
Dat Bolwerck
Zutphen, Holland

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