The University of Central Florida, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Young Composers Challenge will join forces Nov. 12 to present the 2017 Composium at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
The Composium will feature the top three judged orchestral and top three ensemble compositions written by musicians 13 to 18 years old. The selections will be performed and recorded by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and musicians from the UCF faculty.
Founded in 2005, the NYCC is a nonprofit charitable organization that promotes the creation of new orchestral music and the next generation of American composers. The purpose of the Composium is to involve and educate the public in the process of music creation in order to build greater understanding and support for symphony orchestras and orchestral music. The Composium is part concert, part rehearsal, part recording session and part seminar.
“The level of sophistication of these orchestral works is mind-blowing,” said Steve Goldman, executive director of the NYCC. “This is an amazing afternoon of excitement, unscripted drama and music. It will be a rare chance for Central Floridians to witness incredible orchestra works by America’s top young composers, discussed, rehearsed and conducted by maestro Christopher Wilkins….Once you have attended a Composium, you will never listen to an orchestra performance in quite the same way again.”
This is the second year the University of Central Florida has been a sponsor of the event. Jeff Moore, dean of the UCF College of Arts & Humanities, said this event not only is good for the young composers, but also the Orlando community.
“The NYCC provides young composers access to professional musicians, and UCF is committed to providing access for people to pursue their passions,” said Moore. “The longtime partnership between UCF, the Orlando Philharmonic, and now the NYCC demonstrates Central Florida’s commitment to the past, present and future of classical music.”
The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra has partnered with the NYCC for several years. “This opportunity to support the development of our next generation of composers is both exciting for our audiences and essential to the future of music,” said the orchestra’s executive director, Christopher Barton.
The 2017 Composium is presented free and will be held in the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The event will run 1-5 p.m. and be followed by a public reception. Dress is casual and the entire family is welcome. More information is available at http://www.youngcomposerschallenge.org.