The Conservatory is pleased to note that world-renowned composer Chen Yi will serve as Distinguished Guest Composer at the 2018 Mizzou International Composers Festival, Columbia, MO, organized by the Mizzou New Music Initiative. The event is July 23–28, 2018 on the campus of the University of Missouri.
Dr. Chen Yi is a distinguished professor of composition at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A finalist for the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for Music for her composition Si Ji (Four Seasons), she was born and raised in Guangzhou, China and is known as a prolific composer who blends Chinese and Western traditions, transcending cultural and musical boundaries. Along with many orchestral works, Chen Yi has written numerous choral works and chamber music, including works written for traditional Chinese instruments.
Dr. Chen Yi will join Alex Mincek, who was named in October as the MICF’s other distinguished guest composer for 2018. The MICF features three public concerts of music from contemporary composers, as well as workshops, master classes, and other events. As in years past, Saturday night’s grand finale at the Missouri Theatre will present the world premieres of new works from eight resident composers, with Alarm Will Sound, conducted by artistic director Alan Pierson, serving as resident ensemble.
The resident composers are selected for the MICF each year through an online portfolio application process. During the festival, they’ll get composition lessons from the distinguished guest composers and Mizzou faculty, and take part in rehearsals with Alarm Will Sound. Each composer also will receive a professional live recording of their work.
Congratulations!