Copland House to Premiere 3 Works by Composer Fellows
A decade after launching its CULTIVATE series, Copland House continues to embrace the creativity of young composers, propping them up on the world’s stage with the premiere of their commissioned works. During the pandemic, the organization shifted to a virtual version of the program’s final performance(s), called Cultivated Spaces, which is now in its third year. This month, there are three more premieres to come.
The CULTIVATE program invites six “Composer Fellows” to Aaron Copland’s National Historic Landmark home for an in-person residency that encourages the composers to collaborate and share with one another during a week of rehearsals and discussions. They also participate in one-on-one and joint sessions with the program’s director, Derek Bermel, and musicians from the Music from Copland House ensemble. Cultivated Spaces 3.0 presents their final commissioned works virtually. The 2022 CULTIVATE Fellows: Aiyana Braun, Paul Frucht, Brittany Green, Paul Kerekes, Kian Ravaei and Elijah Daniel Smith.
By the end of the program, each composer’s hard work culminates in the world premiere of their new composition. This year’s final three premieres include What a Time by Paul Frucht (February 2); impulse ii by Aiyana Braun (February 9); and Unstoppable by Kian Ravaei (February 16). Each 25- to 30-minute program includes an introduction by the composer, performance of the commissioned premiere by Music from Copland House and a post-performance discussion.
The virtual premieres will be streamed live on I Care If You Listen, a multimedia hub for contemporary classical music, where they will remain indefinitely.
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Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.