Tyler G. White Named LSO’s First Composer-in-Residence
(LINCOLN, Neb. – 15 May 2020) Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra is overjoyed to announce its first-ever Composer-in-Residence, Dr. Tyler G. White. Resident conductor with LSO from 2000-2019, Dr. White is an acclaimed composer and conductor based in Lincoln, Nebraska. Also a Professor of Composition and Conducting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. White will serve as Composer-in-Residence with LSO from 2019-2022. LSO plans to celebrate his residency with a performance of his 2006 work (originally commissioned by LSO), A Brand-New Summer.
“I absolutely adore composing for my friends and colleagues with the symphony, writing parts specifically intended to challenge and delight them,” says Dr. White. “Writing for the musicians of LSO is part and parcel of my highest goals as Composer-in-Residence: to stimulate, delight, and move all members of the LSO family, from novice concertgoers, to experienced subscribers, to the orchestra’s musicians and staff, to the Maestro himself, and to the community at large.”
In 2019, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra took a huge step forward in affirming its commitment to new music by creating the position of Composer-in-Residence. LSO will perform music written by and recommended by the Composer-in-Residence each season. This composer also has the opportunity to communicate directly with audiences, musicians, and collaborators. They will help host events introducing people to the music of living composers, provide masterclasses for young composers, and compose new music for LSO to premiere.
“I hope to be able to put a ‘human face’ on contemporary classical music for our LSO audience,” says Dr. White. “This means reaching out into the community, to student composers and under-served areas, to cultivate a sense of joy in the vibrancy of orchestral culture in Lincoln, both through my own music and that of visiting composers. Who knows, the next ‘great composer’ could come from right here at home!”
LSO is passionate about promoting the work of living artists. In the coming years, Dr. White and LSO plan to host other living composers in Lincoln, program their work alongside White’s, and connect with students and young composers in the area.
“One of the primary responsibilities of an orchestra is to keep the great classics alive and vibrant for current generations. But equally important is our responsibility to encourage the growth of our art form by supporting the music of composers who are writing today,” said Edward Polochick, LSO Music Director. “Performing music by living composers and collaborating with emerging artists are some of the best ways of expanding the symphonic repertoire, inspiring the next generation of musicians, and diversifying the modern orchestral landscape.”
In the past 15 years, LSO has commissioned 20 pieces which have stylistically stretched the orchestra in many ways, from the mesmerizing minimalism of Philip Glass; jazz arrangements for vibraphone and orchestra by Ryan Cohan and Tim Garland; a deeply personal piece by Tyler G. White; a piece written for a side-by-side performance with the Lincoln Youth Symphony by Damon Thomas Lee; a piece written for LSO and the Chiara String Quartet by Robert Sirota; a celebration of LSO’s Music Director and Concertmaster with a piece for violin and piano by Errollyn Wallen; arrangements for a special welcome home concert with The Voice contestant Hannah Huston; and arrangements from four composers for LSO’s annual holiday concert. Additionally, LSO has hosted composers to join the orchestra and community for performances of their work, such as Gabriela Lena Frank, Scott McAllister, and Daniel Dorff.
Dr. White’s residency will culminate with the world premiere of a newly-composed piece commissioned by LSO.
To stay current with symphony events, follow Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@lincolnsymphony). Visit www.lincolnsymphony.com to learn more about LSO’s upcoming season.
Media Contacts:
Barbara Zach Lee, Executive Director
Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra
402-476-2211
barbara@lincolnsymphony.com
Dr. Tyler G. White, Composer-in-Residence
Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra
tgw@unl.edu
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