Visiting Composers at CUA

Each year, the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music invites eminent composers to campus for composition master classes and lecture/performances. During the 2003-04 year, guest composers included: Nicholas Maw, Martin Bresnick (with pianist Lisa Moore), Libby Larsen, Denys Bouliane, and CUA Composition alumnus Mark Adamo.
The second season, in 2004-05, began with a wonderful master class and presentation by John Corigliano in October 2004. Additional visits were made by Christopher Rouse, who gave a stimulating and highly useful presentation on the practicalities of the professional compositional world, and by Christian Wolff, composer-classicist, who displayed his diverse talents by addressing not only the School of Music, but also the Department of Greek and Latin.
Highlights of the third season, 2005-06, featured a presentation/master class by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Joseph Schwantner as well as Roberto Sierra.
The 2006-07 series began with an Oct. 6 return visit of composer Nicholas Maw, whose opera Sophie's Choice received its US premiere in September-October (Washington National Opera).
In September 2007, CUA students participated in a master class with composer/conductor John Adams at the Music Center at Strathmore in Rockville, MD. Composers William Bolcom (Nov. 5) and flutist-composer Robert Dick (Nov. 2-4) visit the CUA campus for discussions and master classes in November.
Composer, critic, and author Kyle Gann gave a presentation and master class for MM Stage Music composers on Monday, Dec. 3. Gann's visit was co-sponsored by the CUA Department of Drama.