The Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute:
The JCOI Readings
Sunday and Monday, June 5 and 6,
2011
Miller Theatre, Columbia University
The Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University and the American Composers Orchestra presented 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.
Hear excerpts from these exciting new works
About JCOI
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.
Read the New York Times review
JCOI in Action: Lara Pellegrinelli on National Public Radio
Following the Intensive, participants were invited to submit applications to participate in the JCOI Readings, and eight promising participants from the Intensive were selected to create new works for orchestra, and to work further with composers and conductors in developing and scoring those new works. The JCOI Readings will culminate with open rehearsals, readings, and live performances of the new works at Miller Theatre by ACO.
See interviews with JCOI participants
This innovative program is a new development in the jazz field. While many jazz composers seek to write for the symphony orchestra, opportunities for hands-on experience are few. JCOI aims to provide new resources for both jazz and classical music, promoting the emergence of composers trained in both jazz and new orchestral techniques.
Support for JCOI is provided by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation's Fund for National Projects, the Fromm Music Foundation, and public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. The concerts are presented in partnership with Miller Theatre and Columbia University.
© 2008, Columbia University Center for Jazz Studies.
Last Updated June 17, 2010.
