THE AUTHENTIC VOICE
Commissioning Program
In 2018, Fear No Music’s Young Composers Project partnered with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS) in launching The Authentic Voice commissioning program to “teach young musicians to use their artistry to empower others and create joy in the world” (Raúl Gómez, MYS Music Director). The partnership gives young composers an opportunity to write for and hear their work performed by full symphony orchestra, while giving ensemble musicians a chance to play never performed music by their peers. Following a tremendously successful initial year, the program has expanded to include the following annual offerings:
Three symphonic commissions of new works by local, student composers, developed through Fear No Music’s Young Composers Project
World Premieres of each of these works performed by the MYS Symphony Orchestra at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Further opportunities for readings and performances of works by younger composers with other MYS ensembles, including the Concert Orchestra, Vivaldi Strings, Symphonic Band, and MYSticks Percussion Ensemble
Additional collaborative projects, such as film scoring for full orchestra
Photo above: composer Max Ball conducting the Metropolitan Youth Symphony in the World Premiere of his Authentic Voice commission, Fugue for Orchestra, in March, 2019 at The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Photo credit: Richard Kolbell
Participating Composers 2019-20
Participating Composers 2018-19
Hear for yourself!
What People Are Saying
“It was my dream to compose for orchestra, and it was like my dream came true… And I feel like it’s really helping me down my path of pursuing my dream job of being a composer, and it’s helped me discover my passion even more. It’s helped me be like, Wow, this is really what I want to do.”
— Grace Miedziak, quoted in The Bend Bulletin
“When it comes to commissioning and developing a vital ecosystem of local composers in the classical tradition, it’s hard to beat Fear No Music.”
— Oregon ArtsWatch
“The Young Composers Program… provides unparalleled training and performance opportunities for promising composers.
In a brand new collaboration between this program and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, select students now have the opportunity for their music to be performed by full orchestra, as part of The Authentic Voice… "It was a fantastic opportunity," (Max) Ball said of working with the professional musicians.”
— Lake Oswego Review / West Linn Tidings
The Authentic Voice program is made possible with generous support from Ronni Lacroute.