NYC Gazette

The Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic are set to perform side-by-side in a groundbreaking concert on Saturday, April 20 at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. This performance marks the second year of the Composing Inclusion program, a unique collaboration between Juilliard, the Philharmonic, and the American Composers Forum.

The concert will feature world premieres by composers Nicolás Lell Benavides and Andrés Soto, as well as a piece by 20th-century African American composer William Dawson. Benavides’ work, "Querencia," is a tribute to his grandfather, while Soto’s "Fantasía en la Plaza" is inspired by the joy of embarking on a musical journey. Benavides shared, “I hope the audience reflects on mentors in their own lives, especially those no longer with us.” Soto expressed his goal for the piece is to encourage young musicians to maintain a sense of wonder in their musical endeavors.

Following the concert, on May 12, students from Juilliard’s Preparatory Division and members of the New York Philharmonic will premiere new works for woodwind, brass, and percussion ensembles in a chamber recital. The Composing Inclusion program, initiated in 2022, aims to broaden the classical music repertoire by commissioning composers from underrepresented backgrounds and fostering intergenerational collaboration.

The program was developed by Weston Sprott, dean of Juilliard’s Preparatory Division, Gary Padmore of the New York Philharmonic, and Vanessa Rose of the American Composers Forum. Sprott emphasized the importance of expanding understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures through music. The collaboration has provided over 150 students the opportunity to work with nine composers over two years.

These initiatives are part of a broader effort by Juilliard and its partners to promote inclusivity and artistic excellence in the classical music realm. The Composing Inclusion program not only showcases new and diverse voices in music but also offers students valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The upcoming concert and chamber recital promise to be enriching musical experiences that celebrate diversity, mentorship, and the joy of creating and performing music.