Meet the Composer

The Bloomington Early Music Festival will have composer Moira Smiley present her unique contributions to the historic and living American tradition of shape-note hymn singing. At least two (2) public performances of her works will be presented by our festival. At these performances, Moira will begin each performance with a brief lecture on her involvement, since the age of eight, in this early American music tradition as a composer (first composing in this style at age 13) and performer. She will, in addition, introduce the sets within the program: Set 1) The old hymns that most shaped her writing (20 minute set), Set 2) Her subsequent arrangements and improvisational work with these hymns (20 minute set) Set 3) Her original works in these early American forms (45 minute set).