James Kimo Williams CD Releases

Reflecting on the past can inspire a composer to express their experiences through music. With "Symphony For Vietnam Veterans," I have created musical interpretations that reflect my experiences as a soldier in Vietnam. Initially written for string quartet under the title "Quartet For The Sons of Nam" and expanded to full orchestra in 1992, (Symphony For The Sons of Nam). In 2025 to better speak to my service in Vietnam and those Veterans who served with me, the score was retitled as above. A 2025 version has also been orchestrated for string orchestra and wind ensemble.

The score is divided into four chapters, each containing individual "events" representing snapshots of my most vivid memories from the war. 

In 1986, after participating in the "Chicago Welcome Home Parade" for Vietnam Veterans, I felt compelled to confront the emotions from my time in Vietnam through music composition. Following an invitation in 2012 to witness President Barack Obama proclaim March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day, I decided to reorchestrate and rename the score in recognition of this significant occasion. "Symphony For Vietnam Veterans," along with other compositions, serves as a musical recollection of my memories from service in Vietnam and represents a personal catharsis. Chapters 1 and 2 depict the events leading to my arrival in Vietnam in 1970 and my departure eleven months later, while Chapters 3 and 4 remain to be completed.

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