Philadelphia is home to a vibrant music scene, enriched by organizations such as Wildflower Composers, Play On Philly, as well as collaborations like All-City Orchestra’s partnership with Network for New Music. These programs have made significant strides in nurturing young composers by offering them platforms to explore and express their creativity. As a composer, conductor, and educator, I see the incredible potential in our city’s young talent, but also recognize that there is still much more we can do to foster artistic growth and joy.
Imagine the impact if just a handful of the hundreds of ensembles, orchestras, or choirs in Greater Philadelphia initiated calls for scores from young composers (and I applaud those who already do!). The opportunity for students to hear their compositions performed live, even once, would be transformative. Yes, this is a challenging and time-consuming endeavor, but it is imperative to introduce new voices and narratives that reflect our contemporary society. The classical giants like Beethoven, Brahms, and Bach were once unknown talents whose works needed to be heard. It is our duty as art enthusiasts to nurture the next generation of composers in Philadelphia.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of this mission. Many young composers lack access to private composition lessons or the financial means to attend expensive summer camps. It is incumbent upon us to build and support a community that bridges these gaps. Even dedicating just an hour or two of rehearsal time to reading and performing pieces by young students could make a significant difference. This small commitment will not detract from the preparation for canonical works like Brahms’ Requiem or Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis; rather, it will enrich the cultural fabric of our community.
Moreover, diversity and inclusion cannot be mere buzzwords. To truly embody these principles, we must cultivate a diverse repertoire that resonates with the times we live in. Creating this repertoire requires courage and a willingness to take risks. Both composers and performers may encounter failures along the way, but this is an essential aspect of artistic growth. We learn and evolve through our mistakes.
The relevance of our art forms to modern societal issues cannot be overstated. We must move beyond the repetitive reinterpretation of works by long-deceased European composers. While their contributions are invaluable, our world is vastly different from theirs, and our art should reflect that. Today’s societal challenges demand fresh perspectives and new stories. By empowering young composers to share their art and tell their stories, we ensure that our music remains vibrant and relevant.
I believe the future of music in Philadelphia depends on our collective effort to support and nurture young composers. By making deliberate and inclusive efforts to provide opportunities and platforms for these emerging talents, we can enrich our community and ensure that our artistic expressions remain meaningful and connected to our present-day experiences.
