9/11 (2002)
String orchestra. Written after the shock of the horrific events on 9/11, this piece is an outpouring of grief not only for the murdered, but also for the state of a world in which this kind of tragedy can occur.
A Chorale for Martin Luther King, Jr. (1969/2002)
Youth orchestra. This piece utilizes Martin Luther King Jr.'s favorite spiritual, "Free At Last," treating it with a set of variations. It is suitable for middle school orchestra, as it does not make extreme technical demands on any of the instruments. It has been used by the Washington, D.C. Youth Orchestra in celebrations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Chagall Windows (2004)
Orchestra. Six movement-work inspired by Marc Chagall's stained glass windows in the chapel of Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. Each movement captures the essence of the blessing Jacob gives to six of his twelve sons, as related in the Old Testament.
Icarus- Overture for Orchestra (2001)
Inspired by the death of conductor Eduardo Mata who died when the plane he was piloting crashed in the mountains of northern Mexico. As a tribute to Mata and his love of flying, Sargon drew upon the mythological Greek figure of Icarus. The opening passages of the Overture depict the freedom and joy of flying, the sensation of soaring and the limitless blue sky. After the fall to earth, the music becomes a noble funeral march extolling those who seek to move beyond the limits of normal human experience into worlds as yet unknown.
Lift Off (2007) (orchestra)
Particularly suitable as an opening number on a concert, although its drive and dynamism would enliven any section of a concert. Also available for wind ensemble (WE 101).
Tapestries- Four scenes from Saul, King of Israel (1997)
Orchestra. Four movements adapted from Sargon's original opera, Saul, King of Israel. This work highlights four pivotal moments from the opera. In "Saul Among the Prophets," Saul joins the wild, frenzied dance of a group of prophets and his character is transformed. "Sanctuary" evokes the holiness of the High Priest and his followers. "The Oath" is an expression of the love between David and Jonathan. "The Supreme Command" depicts Saul's final battle and his defeat and death alongside his sons.
The Town Musicians of Bremen (chamber orchestra) (2004)
Narrator/chamber orchestra. A musical retelling of the Brothers' Grimm story. Ideal for young peoples' concerts and adaptable to dance or other visuals. Performed by the Missouri Symphony Orchestra with the Missouri Contemporary Ballet and at Music in the Mountains in Durango, CO. Other versions: full orchestra/narrator; symphonic wind ensemble/narrator.
The Town Musicians of Bremen (full orchestra) (2003)
Narrator/full orchestra. A musical retelling of the Brothers' Grimm story. Ideal for young peoples' concerts and adaptable to dance or other visuals. Performed by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra on its 2009-2010 Family Concert Series. Other versions available: chamber orchestra/narrator; symphonic wind ensemble/narrator.