Composers Showcase

Be the first to hear a live performance of new musical compositions from classical to contemporary at the University of Southern Maine School of Music’s Composers Showcase Friday, April 20, at 8 p.m. in Corthell Concert Hall, College Avenue, USM Gorham. FREE.

Students in the USM Composers Ensemble worked throughout the semester to create their own original pieces under the direction of School of Music faculty member Dan Sonenberg. “The USM Composers Ensemble has been in existence for six years now, and from the start we have followed the same plan: begin the semester with no music, end the semester with a full evening's performance of works written and rehearsed by members of the ensemble,” says Sonenberg.

This year, the Showcase will feature a strong string section with all members of the USM String Quartet taking part. The ensemble also includes flute, clarinet, soprano saxophone, horns, euphonium, viola, cello, piano and percussion, providing a well-rounded orchestral team. Also, for the first time since the ensemble’s creation, Sonenberg himself will be composing a new piece to be premiered at the April 20 concert.