Composing in the Wilderness - 2021

participants:

Featured

Composing In The Wilderness is unlike anything I have ever experienced, and I am honored to have been a part of the 2021 program. Not only was it a time to explore Denali and learn about such a magical place from experts in different fields, I also couldn't get over the many levels of silence it offered... it was such a treat to just 'be' in nature -something I think I forgot that I needed and craved. The writing parameters were both challenging and fun, and hearing our music played by the awesome musicians of Corvus was humbling, rewarding, and a wonderful way to close out one of the best things I have ever done (and hope I get to do again!).

https://nerissacampbell.com/

Nathan Cornelius

The Alaska wilderness provided all the inspiration I had hoped for, with an endless supply of beautiful sights, sounds, textures, scents, and even tastes! But what really surprised me were how amazing all the people were. Our NPS and MSLC guides loved to share their knowledge of the park, the fellow composers were warm and friendly with fascinating backgrounds and interests, and Steve Lias's pure joy at being in Alaska pervaded our mood throughout the trip.

https://nathancornelius.com/

Garrison Gerard

Composing in the Wilderness was a wonderful, unique experience, different from any composition activity I've been a part of before. Everything from the planning and logistics before the trip to the concert at its conclusion was handled perfectly. It was wonderful to be able to work with such talented musicians and experience the beauty of Denali with such an uplifting group of people.

https://www.garrisongerard.com

Trent Hanna

J. E. Hernández

Paul Mekailian

Dan Pinkston

“Truly one of the most important experiences of my life. Time in the wilderness with people who understand my love for Shostakovich, my orchestration and counterpoint questions, and my love for pushing my limits physically was unique and life-changing.”

Frances White

Composing in the Wilderness was a magical, life-altering experience. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude that I was able to experience the wild beauty of Denali in the company of such wonderful, supportive, creative people (staff, scientists, musicians of Corvus, and of course Steve and my fellow composers)! I was challenged as a hiker, as a composer, as a lover of nature, and as a person - in all these areas, the experience took me out of my comfort zone and led me to a new place where I feel both more confident and more determined than ever to create music, to love and care for the earth, and to hopefully share experiences of the beauty and power and necessity of wild places with others. I really didn't know what to expect, but Composing in the Wilderness turned out to be more incredible and inspiring than I ever would have imagined, and I remain indebted to all the people who shared it with me.

www.rosewhitemusic.com