The Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute offers a unique week-long intensive immersion into the world of a major American symphony orchestra. The next Minnesota Orchestra Composer Institute will take place January 2-7, 2012. The scores and application must be postmarked by April 15th, 2011.
Under the guidance of composer Aaron Jay Kernis, up to nine composers will have orchestral works rehearsed and performed by the Minnesota Orchestra and will participate in a series of seminars on musical, career, business and professional development issues.
Composers receive consultations with Kernis and Music Director Osmo Vänskä before and after the rehearsals. They also meet with Orchestra members and attend small-group sessions with leading music industry professionals. Composers’ travel and hotel will be provided.
All works selected for the Institute will be performed in a public concert, conducted by Music Director Osmo Vänskä on Friday, January 6, 2012, 8 pm.
Here are some details of the 2010 institute:
Seven composers were selected as participants in the Minnesota Orchestra’s 10th Annual Composer Institute. Chosen from a pool of 167 candidates through a competitive process, these seven composers hail from locations throughout the U.S., and their works represent a variety of musical styles. They are:
Taylor Brizendine (Los Angeles, CA): MANDRAGORA OFFICINARUM
Wang Jie (Phildelphia, PA): SYMPHONY #1
Polina Nazaykinskaya (Austin, TX): WINTER BELLS
Clint Needham (Bloomington, IN): THE BODY ELECTRIC
Ben Phelps (Los Angeles, CA): OVERTURE MAXIMUS
Narong Prangcharoen (Kansas City, MO): NAMASKAR
David Weaver (Philadelphia, PA): MUTATIS MUTANDIS
These seven composers travelled to Minneapolis for six days of rehearsals, seminars and tutoring sessions from October 24 to 30, 2010, culminating in a public Future Classics concert of their works with The Minnesota Orchestra led by the Orchestra’s Music Director Osmo Vänskä.
“We received dozens of exceptionally-crafted scores, which made the final choices difficult,” says Composer Institute Director Aaron Jay Kernis. “The high quality of submissions confirms what we know from past Institutes: the future of new orchestral music is vibrant and strong.” The distinguished jury consisted of composers Augusta Read Thomas, Bright Sheng, former Institute participant Stacy Garrop and Minnesota Orchestra Assistant Conductor Courtney Lewis. Aaron Jay Kernis chaired the panel.
