Wild Saguaro Records (WSR-0006)
Sandpaintings for Piano is a sixteen-movement solo piano cycle inspired by the artistic principles and structural design of traditional Diné sandpaintings. Rather than simply depicting their imagery, the work draws upon the underlying ideas that shape them: symmetry, reflection, and the enduring principles of transformation and balance. Organized around the four sacred directions, the cycle unfolds in a clockwise progression from East to South, West, and finally North, mirroring the ordered movement found in both the traditional Diné hogan and many sandpainting designs. Themes introduced in the Northern direction serve as the source material for the entire cycle, appearing as inversions in the East, retrograde inversions in the South, and retrogrades in the West before returning in their original form in the North.
While the music draws inspiration from common visual elements found in traditional Diné sandpaintings, it respectfully avoids ceremonial imagery reserved for sacred contexts. Instead, the work reimagines those images through a contemporary musical language, allowing ideas of order, transformation, and restoration to unfold. Only in the Northern direction do the themes appear in their original form, completing the musical journey through a quiet restoration of balance.
7. Southern Lightning
Brilliant energy and virtuosic momentum.
6. Southern Clouds
Shimmering lyricism unfolding from quiet simplicity.
13. Jet
A contemplative melody gradually revealing its full resonance.
14. Northern Clouds
The emotional destination of the cycle, where the music finds stillness and balance.
About Connor Chee:
Connor Chee is a Diné (Navajo) pianist and composer whose music brings cultural traditions into dialogue with contemporary classical composition. His works have been commissioned, performed, and recorded by artists and ensembles throughout the world, and his music has reached national audiences through broadcasts on NPR’s Performance Today. As both composer and performer, Chee has developed a body of work that reflects a distinctly Diné perspective while expanding the contemporary piano repertoire through music of architectural imagination, artistic integrity, and expressive depth.
ALBUM INFORMATION
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Format: Digital, Stereo and Dolby Atmos
Genre: Contemporary Classical
Tracks: 16
Runtime: 39:32
Composer/Piano: Connor Chee
Producers: Patrick Conlon and Christina Giacona
Recorded at University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Distributor: AvidPlay
EAN (Stereo): 5063752594246
EAN (Dolby Atmos): 5063752627043
Contact: Mary Beth Crandall
marybeth@wildsaguarorecords.com
(480) 788-2519
