Center for Jazz Studies Presents First-Ever Jazz Composers Ochestra Institute Reading

The Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University and the American Composers Orchestra will present the first-ever Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute Readings, the culmination of a process that began with a week-long Intensive held on the Columbia University campus in July 2010.

Eight composers were selected to create new works for orchestra and to work further with mentor composers and conductors in developing these works: Harris B. Eisenstadt, Brooklyn, NY; Mark F. Helias, New York, NY; Adam R.Jenkins, Davis, CA; Erica J. Lindsay, Rosendale, NY; Nicole M. Mitchell, Chicago, IL; Rufus I. Reid, Teaneck, NJ; Jacob A. Sacks, Brooklyn, NY; and Marianne Trudel, Montreal, Canada.

The JCOI Readings will culminate with open rehearsals, readings, and live performances of the new works at Miller Theatre at Columbia University by ACO on June 5 and 6, 2011. The performances are free and open to the public, but reservations are strongly recommended.

Working Rehearsal:
Sunday, June 5, 2011, 2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Reserve free tickets for June 5 reading

Run-throughs:
Monday, June 6, 2011, 7:30 pm
Reserve free tickets for June 6 reading

30 jazz-identified composers in various phases of their composing careers, drawn from a national call for applications, were selected to participate in the JCOI, where they worked with leading composers, conductors and performers in a curriculum designed by composers Jane Ira Bloom, Anthony Davis, Fabien Lévy and George Lewis, all of whom served as instructors.

Other participating composer-mentors included Alvin Singleton, Derek Bermel, and Tania Léon. Students received live demonstrations of new instrumental techniques from a resident chamber ensemble, Wet Ink, known nationally for its performances of new music, and observed rehearsals for two concerts at Columbia's Miller Theatre, held during the Institute week, featuring works by composers working with improvisation.

For more information please visit http://www.americancomposers.org/rel2011060506.html or http://www.jazz.columbia.edu/JCOI/