Ridgefield student composer among winners for Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra Call for Scores competition

Ridgefield student composer among winners for Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra Call for Scores competition

The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra held a reading session with its Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, January 20th to play the works of three outstanding student composers: "Native Spirit" by Michelle Li of Edison, NJ, "Of Flowers and Fire" by Robin MacDonald of Ridgefield, CT and "Wizard War" by Michael Tu of Lexington, MA. The WCYO received Call for Scores submissions from five states and the winning scores were selected by Composer-in-Residence Paul Frucht and Music Director Eric Mahl.

After being selected the student composers worked via Skype with Mr. Frucht and Mr. Mahl to get feedback on their work. During the reading session, they were able to work with the orchestra, get additional feedback and make changes. In addition, each piece was professionally recorded. "This event was a huge success and an important moment in the young careers of each of these composers," said Paul Frucht. "It is difficult, especially at such a young age, to create a piece that works so well for an orchestra and all three did just that."

"I was incredibly impressed with Michelle, Robin and Michael's work", said WCYO Executive Director Kim Bova. "Their pieces were demanding in terms of technique and musicality and our musicians were successful in meeting the challenge." The Composer-in-Residence Program directly supports the Western Connecticut Youth Organization's mission to educate and inspire young musicians through the study and performance of classical and contemporary works and participation in unique enrichment activities. Learn more about the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra at wctyo.org.