Today, we continue our series highlighting the beautiful orchestral work “Excerpts From the Reason I Jump”, featuring 26-year-old autistic cellist Adam Mandela Walden. The piece reflects what it’s like living with autism. This is the second movement performed by Adam Mandela Walden and Berklee World Strings, conducted by Dr. Eugene Friesen, featuring narrator Connor Valcy.
“Excerpts from The Reason I Jump,” Mvt. 2, “The Black Crow and the White Dove,” composed by Dr. Eugene Friesen, Professor of Music and Director of Berklee World Strings with cello melodies by Adam Mandela Walden, cellist and Berklee College of Music student. Words by Naoki Higashida. Inspired by author Naoki Higashida’s book: The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
Thank you to Rosanne Walden and to the students of Berklee College of Music’s Production and Engineering: Orchestral Recording. Recorded at Berklee College of Music, Shames Scoring Stage.
This Daily Joy performance is part of From the Top’s Musicians with Disabilities Special Initiative. This Spring, From the Top is spotlighting young disabled and/or neurodivergent musicians who share their talents and tell their stories in their own words.