The Festival is a summer of immersive music-making in which composition and contemporary music are an integral part of its fabric and history. Each year I look forward to returning to Maine to work with devoted colleagues and young composers whose passion for music and commitment to excellence continues to propel the Festival to greater artistic heights.
Program Overview: The Festival’s summer music Composition Program gives students access to distinguished composers, concerts, and masterclasses while affording each participant ample time to compose in a relaxed environment. Students work with composer-in-residence Derek Bermel, as well as guest composers in both group and individual settings. 2020 guest composers are Aaron Jay Kernis and Gabriela Ortiz. Recent guests have included Steven Mackey, Melinda Wagner, Samuel Adler, John Harbison, and Missy Mazzoli. The program culminates in a performance of at least one work by each student. The Festival will assist in assembling colleagues from within the Festival to perform a selected work in a Young Artist Series concert.
