The inaugural New Haven Composers Spotlight is dedicated to advancing artistic visions and stories specific to New Haven through the commissioning of three works by diverse and emerging local composers. The Spotlight will debut at NXTHVN on April 20th, thanks to founding support from the Mellon Foundation and the Arts Council of Greater New Haven. While centering the Dixwell community in our vision, the debut will highlight the interactions between a large performance ensemble that bridges musical backgrounds, institutions, and communities in New Haven, and the visions of these three unique composers.
In collaboration with NXTHVN, we have created a full event around this premiere, transforming their aula to house the ensemble, organizing an audience talkback session, and running live sound. The event will run from 5:00-7:30PM on April 20th.
To attend the debut on April 20th, please Register Here.
<aside> <img src="/icons/arrow-right-basic_orange.svg" alt="/icons/arrow-right-basic_orange.svg" width="40px" /> Throughout January 2024, musicians and composers participated in an Open Call for participants in the New Haven Composers Spotlight
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<aside> <img src="/icons/arrow-right-basic_orange.svg" alt="/icons/arrow-right-basic_orange.svg" width="40px" /> In Early February, a committee of several composers and musicians selected a cohort, evaluating applicants by factors including connection to New Haven, audition tapes, project proposals, and diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/arrow-right-basic_orange.svg" alt="/icons/arrow-right-basic_orange.svg" width="40px" /> Throughout March and April, composers and musicians will meet to prepare each of the three novel pieces for the showcase.
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As a whole, the New Haven Composers Spotlight is a celebration of artistic talent, diversity, visions, stories, and experiences unique to New Haven, as reflected through our composers. We are honored to have the support of the Mellon Foundation and the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and are working to foster additional partnerships going forward.
We welcome additional support for the Spotlight. If you would like to offer support, or to receive any additional info or comment on this event (incl. press passes, etc) you can reach out to us via email. We are committed to highlighting the supporters and partners that are helping to extend the reach and outcomes of our program in 2024, and will be sure to include such groups in our upcoming literature and event programs.
120 Minutes
Starting with brief introductions, the Spotlight will feature 50-60 minutes of music with minimal rearrangements on stage between pieces and brief composer talkback, followed by an extended audience talkback session.