"There is a trend in contemporary classical writing to focus less on melody and more on tonal texture. This attention to textural exploration is apparent in Nabors’ writing — the moments of exaggerated breathiness in the woodwinds or sharp scrapes in the percussion. But where less capable composers find themselves fixating on those novelties, Nabors is happy to use them as the underscoring of a strong melodic foundation. The result is a work that is enhanced rather than diminished by its experimental aspects. “Onward” indeed for Nabors."
–Jordan Owen, Arts ATL

"Onward" is the second of a triptych of works–along with "Pulse" (2019) & "Upon Daybreak" (2022)–that explore subjects on humanity, nature, and our place in the universe. They each have a similar length and construction, respectively capitalizing on the use of perpetual motion figures to pull the listener through the sonic experience. Although similar in makeup, each approaches the sonic landscape differently.

Onward is an homage to the triumphs and growth we experience along the epic journey of life.

The piece is a 10-minute soundscape to celebrate the dreams and aspirations that motivate us to become our highest selves. It can also been seen as imagined life cycles playing out in the listeners mind, with each section of the piece representing a different stage. The consistent use of perpetual motion throughout the texture of the orchestra is meant to capture the spirit of constantly traveling onward either philosophically or quite literally. I aspired to create a musical journey depicting the moments of discovery, innovation, and change that continually push us and our world into the future.

*Commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Maestro Robert Spano, Music Director with support from the Antinori Foundation and the Atlanta Chamber Players as a result of the 2019 Rapido! Composition Contest.

*Premiered by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Robert Spano on November 21st, 23rd 2019 in Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center; Atlanta, GA.