The annual Young Composers Project enrolls youth from music programs in North Lawndale and Garfield Park who receive weekly composition lessons and write a piece for the Crossing Borders Music string quartet.
This year our Young Composers were Kennedy, Morgan, Raine, and Lady! Receiving weekly lessons from teacher/mentor Jessica T Carter. They also heard drafts of their works performed live by the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet, received feedback, and experimented with musical ideas in real time.
Each youth is paid for their work through the IL Arts Council Summer Youth Employment in the Arts program.
The works’ world premieres are presented in “Chicago Composers: The Next Generation” an annual performance which celebrates the work of the composers, and features new music commissioned by Crossing Borders Music of emerging African-American composers including brand new works by Jessica T Carter, AJ Isaacson-Zvidzwa, and more, performed by the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet.
This year, you can see performances of “Chicago Composer: The Next Generation on the following dates:
Chicago Composers: The Next Generation at Ear Taxi Festival |Sunday, October 5th
Chicago Composers: The Next Generation | Saturday, October 11th
“For two years, I’ve been part of the Young Composers Crossing Borders Music Program, creating original music for a live quartet. Hearing my ideas come alive through talented musicians has been one of the most exciting and inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.” – Kennedy, Young Composers Project participant
“This is a really cool and fun program. It is very exciting to learn a new skill in music.” – Lady, returning Young Composers Project participant