Welcome to the official website of pianist and composer Deanna Witkowski.
In early 2017, I responded to a call for scores for a new collection of social justice songs being curated by Abbie Betinis, Tesfa Wondemagegnhehu, and Ahmed Anzaldúa. The songs to be selected as part of a new movement called Justice Choir would be offered free of charge for anyone to sing for non-commercial use: at concerts, marches, protests, and in houses of worship.
The idea was to have accessible, easy-to-learn songs that speak into the moment that we are living in now, and to provide opportunities for all to create community by singing together.
When I saw a Facebook post from Abbie about the call for scores, I immediately responded by sitting down at the piano. I wrote and harmonized a simple tune in 3/4- not rangy, no big jumps, something that everyone could sing.
On March 2, 2019, Deanna will be a featured guest with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performing music of Mary Lou Williams- along with a surprise.
Deanna’s 2017 trio recording and companion sheet music features 14 jazz arrangements of traditional hymn tunes.
