Westminster University Hear and Now Commission for Emerging BIPOC Composers 

"All I know about music is that not many people ever really hear it."

-James Baldwin

Westminster University's Hear and Now composition commission supports emerging self-identified BIPOC composers ages 18-30. The selected composer will receive $3,000 commissioning fee to write a new work for piano and electronics.   

This commission will be premiered on February 24, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah during the Westminster Concert Series by members of the performance and music technology and composition faculty at Westminster University. 

The composition can be for 1 or 2 performers on 1 piano and 1 additional performer on fixed or live electronics. Non-traditional approaches to performing are welcome and encouraged. The electronic part must be 1 or 2 channels (mono or stereo) and can be performed live or pre-recorded. We have Ableton Push, MAX/MSP, and Logic Pro.

If there is a specific hardware system being used for the performance, please include the technical specifications in your proposal. Composers using unique hardware, for instance a Kyma-based system, may be required to prove the system for performance.

This award also includes travel and lodging for the composer to attend the concert, present a talk about their artistic practice, and work with students at Westminster University.

2024–25 Winner: Droki Ouro

Celebrating its third year commissioning a new work by an emerging composer of color, Hear & Now seeks to build greater understanding and empathy by widening the repertoire that has been generationally limited in classical music spheres. The prize includes a commissioning fee, a professional recording of their new work, travel, and housing costs in Salt Lake City and time to work with students and speak with audiences at the world premiere on February 24, 2025. This year, Droki Ouro has been selected and commissioned to share their original work, in the eye of a needle, for solo piano or solo piano + electronics. This concert will also feature another world premiere by Nic Chuaqui called Lake Flight, inspired by the Great Salt Lake.

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Past Winners

Xavier Muzik graphic banner

Westminster Concert Series is thrilled to announce the selection of Xavier Muzik as the 2023–24 Hear and Now commissioned composer. Xavier writes about this commission, “The goal of my "Hear and Now" composition is to create a transformative and immersive experience for the audience. Through the combination of music, visuals, and symbolic narratives woven through my photography, I aim to evoke my state of mind at the time I took the photos: melancholic and pensive, but punctuated by moments of profound joy.” Hear the world premiere of Nocturnal Tidings for voice, violin, piano and percussion. 

The program also features music by Oswald Huỳnh, Julius Eastman and a world premiere for harp and electronics by Devin Maxwell. Dessert and wine reception to follow the concert.

This prize was funded in part by the Salt Lake Arts Council through the Racial, Equity, and Inclusion Grant made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Musicians:

  • Leslie Henrie, violin
  • Sunny Johnson, viola
  • Kimi Kawashima, piano
  • Hilary Koolhoven, soprano
  • Devin Maxwell, electronics
  • Emily Nelson, voice
  • Maria Phippen, harp
  • Lauren Posey, cello
  • Jackson Prestley, percussion

Kennedy Taylor Dixon Graphic Banner

Kennedy Taylor Dixon is Westminster's inaugural winner of the Hear and Now commissioning prize. Kennedy writes about this commission, "Creating a personal bond with my performers is always my preference, and I want them to know that there isn't a barrier between us. Ideally, the end product of this project is a piece that all parties feel supported and heard in." 

Hear the world premiere of Kennedy's 'a path i've never seen' for marimba and viola. 

The program also features music by Raven Chacon, Erryollyn Waller, Devin Maxwell and Brandon Derfler. Reception to follow the concert.

This prize was funded in part by the Salt Lake Arts Council through the Racial, Equity, and Inclusion Grant.

Musicians:

  • Kennedy Taylor Dixon, composer and viola
  • Zach Bacon, turntable
  • Jacob Hirst, turntable
  • Rodrigo Hernandez Vazquez, turntable
  • Kimi Kawashima, piano
  • Noriko Kishi, cello
  • Devin Maxwell, percussion
  • Katie Porter, clarinet
  • John T. Posadas, viola