IMFA composition studio: Brooke, Evan, Jamie, Neil, Ben and Stefano

This will (most likely) be the last post relating to IMFA and my adventures in Italy. It has been an exhilarating month in many ways, musically and otherwise. I’ve been fortunate to work with terrific colleagues and super student-musicians. I’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth in a short period of time, which gives me great pleasure and also hope for the futures of these young composers.

Tonight we heard premieres by Neil (a short solo piano piece as well as a a work for violin and electronics), Evan (violin and electronics), and Ben (tenor and chamber ensemble). All four pieces came together nicely and were well-received by our audience, which included lots of visitors.

It is my hope that the personal connections that were made at IMFA will extend well into the future. Monte and I are already discussing plans for future collaborations, and Stefano and I have begun thinking about projects for next year’s festival. We are all truly fortunate to have the opportunity to live and make music in such an inspiring, historic and beautiful place.