SUMMER COMPOSITION INSTITUTE 

HARVARD UNIVERSITY MUSIC DEPARTMENT

2014

Beginning in the summer of 2012, the Harvard University Music Department’s Summer Composition Institute has hosted its International Summer Residency for Composers of New Music. The next gathering of twelve young composers will take place in the summer of 2014 from August 11th to August 25th in two of New England's best known sites: Concord's historic Colonial Inn and Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

During the first week of the two-week residency, composers will meet with the composition faculty for individual lessons and meet each other in organized one-on-one sessions to discuss their works. Furthermore, each composer will offer a presentation before the entire group, introducing his or her music for feedback and discussion. 

During the second week of the residency, these activities will continue, supplemented by lectures on notation, instrumental techniques, and the full practical application of compositional knowledge and realization through intense and focused rehearsals as the New York based Talea Ensemble joins the residency in Harvard's historic John Knowles Paine Concert Hall. Here the musicians will prepare two full-evening concerts of twelve world premiere pieces that the composers have written commencing eight months prior to the public event. Works involving electronic setups will be welcome. Additionally, during the last days of the residency, forums and colloquia for open discussion will take place focusing on some of today's most pressing aesthetic issues and the new technologies. Composers from diverse music departments from across North America and overseas will be invited to participate in round-table discussions and attend the concerts and receptions. Admission to the concerts and discussions is free to the public.

The composition faculty of the Summer Composition Institute is Chaya Czernowin, Hans Tutschku, and Steven Kazuo Takasugi. Talea Ensemble's Executive Director is Alex Lipowski.

The Summer Composition Institute of the Harvard Music Department in 2012 was made possible by the generous support of Harvard University and the Art Mentor Foundation Lucerne. Talea Ensemble's participation was made possible in part by the generous support of the Harry and Alice Eiler Foundation.

                             

Dr. Steven Kazuo Takasugi

Managing Director

Summer Composition Institute, Harvard Music Department