For the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s latest concert, every piece on the program will be brand-new — and from some brand-new composers.
Nov. 4 marks the symphony’s third annual MSO Composer Institute concert, the culmination of a multi-day workshop for young and emerging composers. The five composers selected for this year’s event will arrive on Nov. 2, where they will work with MSO staff and musicians for two days on their world premieres, which will be presented on Nov. 4.
This year’s institute marks the first appearance of Patrick Castillo, a composer who became the administrator of the program in January. He said he’s excited to be a part of it.
“I’m in the position right now of overseeing the continuing development of the program,” explained Castillo in a recent phone interview, adding that he’s learning the ropes after replacing the previous administrator. “It’s pretty amazing to be part of the process to make all of this happen.”
Castillo was on the selection committee for this year’s event and said narrowing it down to five was tricky.
“There were so many talented composers that could have been selected,” he said. “We had a great, diverse crowd this year. In the end, we picked the pieces that could make the compelling program.”
One of the composers, Gity Razaz, said she’s excited and humbled to be part of the institute. “This is my first really big scale orchestral event, which is an honor,” said Razaz in a recent phone interview. “I’m excited to work with the MSO and visit Milwaukee for the first time.”
The Julliard graduate counts teachers Samuel Adler, John Corigliano and Robert Beaser among her composition influences. The piece that will premiere with the MSO, “In the Midst of Flux …”, is a tone poem influenced by Middle Eastern music.
“This piece is really about transformation,” explained Razaz, “I wrote this piece in 2008 and, at that time, I was thinking a lot about the idea of life and death. For instance, the phoenix legend is that the phoenix catches fire, dies and then rises from the ashes. It’s such an interesting and beautiful concept about rising out of darkness. I wanted to capture that.”
Other composers with this year’s institute include Daniel Allas, Saad Haddad, Youngwoo Yoo and Patrick O’Malley.
While the institute offers a great opportunity for a handful of composers, Castillo acknowledged there are many more talented composers who did not get selected.
“I encourage those who applied and didn’t get selected to re-apply. It’s so important to get your music out there,” said Castillo. “There was so much talent in the submissions — many of those who applied need to keep doing so. They have great potential.”
Razaz echoed the sentiment: “I tell students to keep getting out there and not to get discouraged. I also remind them why they do this — because they love the craft. Composition is such a truly special art form, which is what I remind students and even myself when disappointment happens.”
ON STAGE
The five works featured at this year’s MSO Composer Institute will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, at the Helene Zelazo Center, 2419 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee. Admission is free, but tickets need to be reserved at 414-291-7605 or mso.org.
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