National Young Composers Challenge Composium

See the next generation of America’s most talented composers ages 13 to 18 have their original pieces performed, discussed, rehearsed and recorded in front of a live audience by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra led by maestro Christopher Wilkins.

Presented in partnership with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and National Young Composers Challenge; Generously supported by the Goldman Charitable Foundation

Meet the next generation of composers! Composers ages 13 to 18 are selected from a national competition to have their original pieces performed and recorded by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

What is a composium? It’s like a concert, plus a master class, plus a competition. It’s informative, dramatic and entirely thrilling. The composium is an amazing afternoon of excitement and music conducted by Maestro Christopher Wilkins and performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

After attending a composium, you will never listen to an orchestra performance quite the same way again. The day has two parts: chamber music and full orchestra. In the first session, the winning chamber ensemble compositions are performed by musicians from the UCF School of Performing Arts. Each composer is interviewed by Maestro Wilkins and comments are given by the judges and musicians. During the second half of the day, the orchestral compositions are reviewed. The audience hears an audio excerpt from the young composer’s computer-generated MIDI score, then the composition is rehearsed by the orchestra, giving the composer an opportunity to interact with Maestro Wilkins, the orchestra musicians and the judges. Each session ends with a full recorded performance of the composition. Additionally, new this year, Full Sail University will be augmenting the event with Jumbotron-style monitors that will provide a close-up view of the composers and musicians.

Doors will be kept open during the event so that patrons can come to be inspired by your favorite young composer or stay for this entire amazing event. After the performance, everyone is invited to share refreshments and mingle with musicians, judges, the composers and their families, and of course Maestro Wilkins.

For detailed information about the NYCC Composium, including a list of the winners, visit www.YoungComposersChallenge.org.

 

PROGRAM

12:30-2:10  Ensemble Performances

12:30 Introductions
12:40 Winnipeg – Benjamin Dickey – Seattle, WA
1:00 Woodwind Quintet – Misha Swersey – New York, NY
1:20 Reinvention – Oscar Basza – Arlington Heights, IL
1:40 Divertimento No. 2 in E Flat Major – Ian Barnett – Key Biscayne, FL
2:00 Ensemble Awards Presentations

2:10-2:30  Intermission

 

2:30-5:15  Orchestra Performances

2:30 Ballet for Fighter Jets – Zev Malina – Harrisburg, PA
3:15 Distance – Isaac Santos – Hollywood, FL
4:00 Brief intermission
4:15 An American Road Trip – Brendan Weinbaum – Atlanta, GA
5:00 Orchestra Awards Presentation

5:15-6:30  Reception: Refreshments and meet the composers

 

The National Young Composers Challenge is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization. The Composium is presented in partnership with the University of Central Florida. Additional support for the event is provided by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Rollins College, Full Sail University and the Timucua Arts Foundation.