Grammy-Winning Eminent Composer-in-Residence at UW This Week

Grammy-winning Eminent Composer-in-Residence Libby Larsen is conducting workshops, lecturing and scheduling a free public performance with University of Wyoming Department of Music faculty and students this week.

This is Larsen’s fourth and final visit as the music department’s eminent composer-in-residence. During the fall and spring semesters, Larsen worked with UW faculty to rehearse her chamber music, visited classes to talk about her music career and gave composers private lessons. This spring, she worked with UW’s larger ensembles.

Larsen will conduct a master class in American art song with the department’s Katrina Zook and Maureen Boddicker Wednesday, April 5, in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts recital hall.

Two sessions are scheduled Thursday, April 6, with UW faculty. Larsen is rehearsing with saxophonists Scott and Jennifer Turpen, and pianist Chi-Chen Wu. Both rehearsal sessions are in the recital hall.

A free public chamber music celebration concert is scheduled Thursday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts recital hall. The concert features Larsen with UW Department of Music faculty and students.

Earlier in the week, Larsen worked with faculty members Nicole Riner, flute; Beth Vanderborgh, cello; Theresa Bogard, piano; and Glesse Collet, viola.

Larsen is among America’s most prolific and most performed living composers. She has created a catalog of more than 500 works spanning virtually every genre, from intimate vocal and chamber music to massive orchestral works and more than 12 operas.

Her music has been praised for its dynamic, deeply inspired and vigorous contemporary American spirit. She constantly is sought after for commissions and premieres by major artists, ensembles and orchestras around the world, establishing a permanent place for her works in the concert repertory.