Composing in the Wilderness 2024

We are offering just one trip in 2024, and it will be a new-and-improved version of our classic Denali experience which happens in three “movements”. Responding to changing circumstances and participant feedback, we’ve made some major changes you’ll be sure to love.

This trip will be led by adventurer-composer Stephen Lias and is divided into three distinct phases:

I. INSPIRATION

We spend over four full days exploring in the backcountry of Denali National Park. We travel with scientists and naturalist guides who help interpret this amazing place. We get dirty, stretch out of our comfort zones, and have the time of our lives.

The idea is to provide the most inspiring experience possible, with new information, transformative experiences, new friendships, and spectacular surroundings. For this portion, we partner with Alaska Geographic to provide rustic housing, food, and saftey while in the park. Early in the trip, everyone draws an instrumentation out of a hat so they know what they’ll be composing for.

II. CREATION

2024 participants are in for treat! For the first time ever, we are partnering with the Denali Education Center where our composers can clean up, have food and comfortable housing provided, and concentrate on their compositions. Everyone has three full days to write chamber pieces inspired by their experience.

The DEC Campus is just 20 minutes from the park entrance, and has a mercantile store, a large lodge with restaurants, hiking trails and plenty of natural beauty all within walking distance. We’ll provide quiet spaces for everyone to work.

III. CULMINATION

Once the works are complete, we will relocate to Fairbanks and meet up with our talented musicians. All the pieces are rehearsed for a few days and then performed. Our musicians are top experts from New York City, and the performance will be recorded.

2024 will include improved housing and food arrangements while in Fairbanks. We will definitely visit John Luther Adams’ iconic composition installation The Place Where You Go to Listen, and we’ve also scheduled a full excursion day on the Chena River during your stay in Fairbanks.