LIBBY LARSEN RESIDENCY
In its most ambitious project to date, Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter sponsored a week’s residency of composer, Libby Larsen, with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, April 22-25, 2003. Raising more than $11,000 for the project, the chapter received a $3200 grant from Arts United, and a $300 Seed Money Grant from SAI Philanthropies, Inc. The rest had either been saved previously, or was raised through two Benefit Teas and a number of other fundraising projects. While in Fort Wayne with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Libby was a co-host for the Young Peoples Concerts, was a speaker on “Composing in the 21st Century,” and was a presenter on the Unplugged Concert, “Classically Incorrect.”As a part of the Young People’s Concerts, 5600 fifth grade students from the entire Allen County were brought to the Embassy Centre on Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24, to hear the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra perform. At each of the three concerts, Libby Larsen described her music before it was performed by the Orchestra. The benefits of Libby’s residency for these concerts are: hearing Libby’s music and seeing and hearing a living, American, woman composer.
On Wednesday, April 23, Libby Larsen, held a discussion for a group of people, children through adults, on the topic “Composing in the 21st Century”. Janice Furtner, SAI Friend of the Arts, asked Libby questions on composing. Some of the questions were provided by students. The audience learned how she thinks and hears music, how she has helped students communicate inner music, how to encourage young people to compose, and how important it is to think “outside the box” in composing.
The Unplugged Concert was also a special opportunity for people of all ages to hear 20th century music. Six of the nine musical selections on the concert were by living composers. Three of Libby’s pieces were performed. Libby Larsen’s spoken descriptions of her music gave insights into the composing process and into understanding the pieces themselves.
The Chapter sponsored a reception following the concert to honor Libby Larsen.
Photos: (above) Chapter President, Margaret Pletcher, presents an SAI rose to Libby Larsen at her Wednesday evening presentation; (left) the Embassy Theatre marquee displays our proud sponsorship of the Unplugged concert.
This site was last updated on August 22, 2003.
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Copyright 2003 Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter, Beta B Province, Sigma Alpha Iota.
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