Meet the Composer’s 2005 Commissioning Music/USA

This year, under the auspices of Meet the Composer’s Commissioning Music/USA, $215,500 will be dispersed to 35 organizations across the country to support the creation of 22 new works by a broad range of composers and artists.

Among the funded projects, some incorporate interactive electronics and video, including Mary Ellen Child‘s project for pianist Kathleen Supové and Pat Muchmore‘s work for solo trombonist Jennifer Baker. However the bulk of the efforts receiving support are more or less straightforward commissions. New works are expected from jazzers James Newton, Jimmy Heath, and Geri Allen; composers Steven Stucky and Ezequiel Viñao will create a cappella vocal works; Martin Bresnick will pen a new composition for So Percussion, Fred Frith writes for the Bang on a Can All-Stars; and Libby Larsen will compose a new string quartet to celebrate the Cassatt Quartet‘s 20th anniversary.

As in the past, the program includes a substantial multi-cultural component. This year composers Kui Dong, Fred Ho, Christopher Janney, and Eve Beglarian will compose works inspired by traditions from around the globe. A complete list of awardees is available on Meet the Composer’s website.