This weekend brought an action-packed schedule in Bennett Gordon Hall, beginning with the Second Annual Bridges concert, premiering Michael Orenstein’s winning composition, Staircase. The concert featured an ensemble of RSMI alumni performing Orenstein’s piece, and the three winning composers from the inaugural competition last year returned for encore performances of their winning works.
Orenstein recently sat with Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute and shared his thoughts on musicians and his winning composition. “I just feel humbled that these world-class musicians are playing my piece…My hope is that they will enjoy playing the piece and grow from playing with each other. I made sure to include multiple improvised as well as through-composed sections, so there is something for everyone!” he said. Orenstein was announced as the 2019 winner earlier this year by Ravinia’s Steans Music Institute (RSMI), taking home the $2,500 David Baker Prize. To learn more about the Bridges composition competition, read Howard Reich’s review of the 2018 concert.
BRIDGES COMPETITION WINNER SHARES PREMIERE WORK
in RSMI, Music Education