YOUNG COMPOSERS WORKSHOP

Sean Friar | Program Director; Mike Kaufman | Artistic Director

Carolyn Chen, Juan Pablo Contreras, Eric Pham | Faculty

 
 

Prior to the Workshop, students will receive two privately scheduled lessons in May. There will also be a meet and greet before the Workshop day, date TBD.

Workshops and Recordings: We give 15-20 young composers the invaluable opportunity to have their music workshopped and rehearsed in depth by world-class musicians. Participants will compose a new instrumental work (violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, guitar and/or harp). In past years performers have included members of the Calder Quartet, LA Opera Orchestra and LA Phil, ECM Records recording artists, as well as awarding winning artists with recognition from the Queen Elisabeth Competition, MacArthur Foundation, Concert Artists Guild, Avery Fisher Foundation and more.

Lessons/Mentorship/Lectures: Participants will receive tuition and mentorship from renowned faculty led by Sean Friar. They have taught at important institutions including USC and the LA Phil, and have active national and international careers. Topics range from orchestral music, to improvisation, electronic music, production, and more.

Age limit: Students age 14-22. Those outside this age range are considered on an individual basis.

In Person/Remote Attendance: Participants are welcome to attend all events in person in LA or remotely online via Zoom.

Sample Recordings From Past Sunset ChamberFest Workshops

Workshop Successes
Past students have used their Sunset ChamberFest recordings in successful applications to colleges, conservatories, competitions, and music festivals. Our alumni have attended institutions including Juilliard, Curtis, Harvard, Yale, USC, and UCLA and music festivals such as Tanglewood and Yellow Barn.

Curriculum

All admitted young composers receive:

  • Two 1-hour private composition lessons before the festival

  • One 30-minute workshop rehearsal of their piece and the opportunity to watch other rehearsals

  • One 60-minute rehearsal with performing artists after initial workshop

  • A professional recording

  • Discussion with festival performing artists on extended techniques, career development, and approaches to musicianship

  • Lectures from widely-acclaimed composition faculty

  • Recognition of participation in all festival performances

  • Free attendance at all festival events

 

Sunset Premieres

At least one composition from the YCW will receive an official premiere in the following season of Sunset ChamberFest. This initiative promotes young composers and their music on the professional concert circuit.

something about space by Harrison Garff

premiered by Geneva Lewis, violin, at Sunset ChamberFest 2021

The Vixen Hunts by Zola Saadi-Klein

premiered by Sérgio Coelho, clarinet, at Sunset ChamberFest 2021