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New Sound Worlds 2023:
INTERCULTURAL COMPOSITION &
PERFORMANCE

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

MONDAY, June 5, 2023


A Community of Artists
Co-Creation & Collaboration
Three Intercultural Composition Projects
Performances & Presentations by Renowned Guest Artists &

Artists Collaborative Ensemble (ACE)

OBFCS Improv Ensemble

Symposium Film Festival
Affordability & Accessibility
In Person in 2023!

 

This summer, OBFCS will celebrate its 29th anniversary with the theme of “Intercultural Composition & Performance” by offering you a host of opportunities to compose, perform and connect with new colleagues for collaborations now and in the future.

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INTERCULTURAL COMPOSITION PROJECTS—

INTRODUCTORY INSTRUCTION, REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES:

As a composer or composer/performer, you will compose a work for one of the three Intercultural Composition Projects listed below. Prior to arriving at the symposium (via Zoom), you will receive introductory instruction from our guest artists in composing for their instruments.

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During the symposium (in person), you will attend rehearsals with the artists-in-residence who are performing your music and/or you will also perform in some of the pieces if you are a composer/performer or performer.

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Project #1: South Korea

Traditional Korean Instruments + Clarinet & Piano

Concert: July 3, 2023

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Eunah Noh, haegeum

[two-string Korean fiddle]

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Eonhwa Lee, gayageum

[plucked 12-string Korean zither]

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Jung-min Lim, daegeum

[large Korean transverse flute]

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Wonkak Kim, clarinet

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Eunhye Grace Choi, piano

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A Collaboration with Special Guest Artists from South Korea

Sponsored by the Global Scholars Program, University of Oregon

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Project #2: Japan

Shakuhachi + World Instruments

Concert: July 4, 2023

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Daniel De Togni, shakuhachi

[vertical end-blown Japanese flute]

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Project #3: Indonesia

Balinese Gamelan + World Instruments

Concert: July 5, 2023

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Pacific Rim Gamelan

Robert Kyr, Director

[metallophones, gongs & drums]

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A SPECIAL CONCERT BY OUR KOREAN GUEST ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE:

Our guest artists from Seoul, South Korea will give a special concert on June 27 including commentary about their instruments and their work in the area of intercultural composition.

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PERFORMANCES OF INTERCULTURAL PROJECTS BY ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE:

Our guest artists-in-residence will give premieres of the music created for each of the Intercultural Composition Projects during the last three days of the symposium: Project #1—South Korea—July 3; Project #2—Japan—July 4; and Project #3—Indonesia (Bali)—"Gamelan Celebration Concert" on July 5.

 

ALL COMPOSER/PERFORMERS & PERFORMERS—

ARTISTS COLLABORATIVE ENSEMBLE (ACE):

As a composer/performer or performer you are a member of the symposium's ensemble, the Artists Collaborative Ensemble (ACE), and with our artists-in-residence, you will rehearse and premiere some of the pieces created by participants for the Intercultural Composition Projects;

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ALL PARTICIPANTS—

PRESENTATIONS ABOUT YOUR MUSIC &/or SPECIAL TOPICS OF YOUR CHOICE:

All composer/performers, composers, and performers will give presentations to the entire symposium about their music and/or special topics of their choice. We will also provide a means for you to share additional information about yourself and to connect with other symposium composers and composer/performers for possible future collaborations.

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OBFCS IMPROV ENSEMBLE:

During OBFCS 2023, composers, composer/performers, instrumentalists and/or vocalists may participate in the OBFCS Improve Ensemble, if you wish. In order to do so, please apply as a “Composer” (Category I), “Composer/Performer” (Category II), “Performer” (Category III), and/or “Conductor” (Category IV), and please specify "OBFCS Improv Ensemble."

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COMPOSERS FILM FESTIVAL

SHOW A FILM YOU SCORED OR MADE:

Films and/or videos that participants have previously scored and/or created (as a filmmaker) will be presented at our Composers Film Festival during the symposium. Audience members will have a chance to give feedback during a discussion following each screening.

 

Apply as a “Composer/Performer” (Category II), “Composer” (Category I) or “Performer” (Category III), and please specify “Composers Film Festival.”

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• PARTICIPATE IN AS MANY CATEGORIES AS YOU WISH—

You may participate in as many categories of the symposium as you wish with no supplemental tuition charge beyond the basic cost of the program. Please note: If you are a composer, you are strongly encouraged to apply as a “composer/performer,” which will give you an opportunity for maximum engagement during the symposium. 

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• AFFORDABILITY, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE & ACCESSIBILITY—

As in the past, we have kept our tuition extremely low, however, if you have a legitimate need for financial assistance, please complete your application first and then write an email to Robert Kyr, in which you specify the amount that you need.

 

We are glad to consider your request if financial assistance will make it possible for you to participate in “New Sound Worlds 2023: Intercultural Composition & Performance.” Please send your request to Robert Kyr at obfcomposers@gmail.com.

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• CELEBRATING OUR 29th ANNIVERSARY—

Each year, more than 30,000 people attend the Oregon Bach Festival in order to take advantage of an exciting mix of choral/orchestral masterworks, chamber concerts, talks, a conducting master class, and social events. Although the festival is known for its concerts, education is at its core.

 

This year will mark the 29th anniversary of the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium (Robert Kyr, founder and director), which has featured a host of renowned composers-in-residence including

Arvo Pärt in '94; 

Judith Weir in '95;

John Harbison in '96;

Krzysztof Penderecki in '98;

Lou Harrison  in '00,

Veljo Tormis in '02;

R. Murray Schafer in '02;

Tan Dun in ’02;

George Crumb in ’04;

David Crumb in ’04, ’16 & '21;

Osvaldo Golijov in ’05;

Martin Bresnick in ’07 & ‘18;

Sven-David Sandstrom in ’09;

Stephen Hartke in ’13;

Craig Hella Johnson in ’13 & ’14;

Chen Yi in ’14 & '21;

James MacMillan in '16;

Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon in ’16 & '21;

Philip Glass in '18;

Richard Danielpour in '18.

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