CCI//ST. LOUIS
AUGUST 8–14, 2027
OVERVIEW
Unheard-of//Ensemble is hosting the Collaborative Composition Initiative workshop (CCI//Sessions) in St. Louis, Missouri between August 8th and 14th, 2027. This CCI, we will be partnering with Christopher Stark and Washington University in St. Louis to workshop new premieres and then present concerts, installations, and creative happenings across the city. Composers will have the opportunity to workshop new compositions with Unheard-of Ensemble to be recorded using Unheard-of’s cinema cameras and audio setup. Composers will study with composition faculty Rome-prize winning composer Christopher Stark and Liliya Ugay, Professor of Composition at Florida State University. After the workshop, Unheard-of and participants will work together to develop an album recording. Participants and the ensembles will collaborate in the development of a performance installation using sound samples and field recordings taken during the week in St. Louis.
In addition to our ensemble workshops, there will be a variety of lectures from the ensembles and guest composers. Topics range from instrumental writing for electroacoustic ensemble, working with digital electronics (streaming, live processing, and more), building large scale projects, and topics selected by our composition faculty. Composers receive three composition lessons (two with Liliya, one with Chris) and take part in performances throughout the week. We also feature local artists and guest lecturers throughout the workshop.
The CCI is limited to between eight and ten composer participants writing full ensemble works for Unheard-of. Ford and Matheus will work with participants to edit and mix the tracks for release as part of CCI//Sessions, vol. 9.
Read a review of CCI from Classical Voice North America
Read a review of CCI from the St. Louis Common Reader
Over the Course of the Week, Composers Will:
Have their piece workshopped by the ensemble
Three composition lessons
Recording and mixing of work to be released on CCI//Sessions Album
Hands-on installation developed in collaboration with ensemble
Lectures by local artists and guests
A special thank you to Washington University of St. Louis’s Music Department for generously allowing use of their facilities to rehearse and perform throughout the workshop.
FACULTY
UNHEARD-OF
Liliya Ugay
Christopher Stark
COST
$1200 Tuition
Tuition covers private lessons, recording session of your pieces with the ensembles, guest lectures, and a host of performances. It also covers select meals (approx. three group dinners throughout festival).
Limited scholarships are available based on need.
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$500 Single Room Housing
Accommodations are available from Aug 8th to morning of 15th and will be coordinated with participants by Unheard-of.
Deadline to Apply: January 28th, 2027
Link to Apply: https://forms.gle/b6wFTpZEwbHpsfYi8
MATERIALS NEEDED:
– Two work samples of chamber music/small ensemble composition. Video or audio and links to scores or other representation of work
– Resume, short artist bio, or link to website
– Note, must be 21 or older at time of festival (due to venue and logistical requirements)
ALBUM
Each participant will have a work featured on our CCI Sessions, vol. 9.