Meet the Composer

Now entering its 15th year, Berkeley Symphony's Under Construction series is a unique commitment to Bay Area composers and new music. The primary mission of the program is to serve local composers by presenting a public reading of a work-in-progress or a completed work that has not been premiered by an orchestra. Composers gain experience working with a conductor, librarian, personnel manager, musicians, and others in transforming notes on the page into a performance by the orchestra. During the performances, audience members get a behind-the-scenes look at music composition, as well as at the interaction between composer, musicians and conductor during a first reading. The audience becomes an integral part of the performance, as they are encouraged to ask questions of the composer, conductor and musicians following the reading of the work. By involving composers in a cohort of their peers over the course of the series, Berkeley Symphony aims to promote peer learning among the composers as well as a greater connection with the audience. In addition, works may be identified for further development.

Berkeley Symphony will be holding three Under Construction concerts for the 2009-10 season. These performances will be held on October 18, 2009, December 6, 2009 and February 7, 2010 at St. John's Presbyterian Church. All four Emerging Composers in Residence present new works during each Under Construction concert. Following the presentation of each piece on the program, Berkeley Symphony's new Music Director Joana Carneiro will host an informal question and answer period between the audience and the composer. This engaging, spirited dialogue affords attendees a greater understanding of the composers intentions in writing the piece. Audience members have a further opportunity to chat with the composers and musicians during a post-concert reception. Admission fees are low or free for the performance, promoting the greatest possible access to all members of the community.

With the addition of Gabriela Lena Frank as our first-ever Mentor in Residence, we also see the opportunity for increased exposure and public interaction. Since Ms. Frank's work will be performed as a part of Berkeley Symphony's subscription concert series at Zellerbach Hall, she will also interact with the audience in a moderated discussion about her work on October 15, 2009.