NYC Gazette

Juilliard musicians and faculty recently premiered new works at the Kennedy Center's Sounds of US festival. This event introduced a unique collaboration, inspired by the Surrealist game "exquisite corpse," where composers contribute individually to create a seamless musical piece.

Jennifer Koh, a violinist and Juilliard Arnhold Creative Associate, curated the festival. It featured compositions from Juilliard's Pre-College, College, and faculty members. Ten Pre-College and eight college student composers created short pieces that were interwoven into separate musical "exquisite corpses." These pieces were presented alongside new works by Music Division and Pre-College faculty as part of the day-long festival on November 16.

Weston Sprott, Dean and Director of Juilliard’s Preparatory Division, highlighted the significance of this partnership with the Kennedy Center: “as one of the leading arts educators in the world”—to create a program that “brings faculty and students together to create new music.” He emphasized that performing at such a renowned venue is pivotal for students' artistic development.

Sprott added, “When you start feeling agency and ownership within highly regarded artistic spaces at an early age, I think that breaks down some traditional barriers of insecurity and imposter syndrome.”

The festival's first concert, To Believe, showcased compositions by Pre-College students aged 12 to 18. Asha Melvani and Sophia Dou expressed their surprise at having their work performed at the Kennedy Center while still in high school. Melvani remarked on how attending Juilliard shifted her perception of music as a viable career path.

David Ludwig, Dean and Director of Juilliard’s music division, underscored the importance of innovation in classical music: “We want students to feel like they own a musical inheritance, and that they belong in a significant lineage of artists.”

Danae Venson, a senior composition student at Juilliard, participated in composing for To Become. She reflected on how the experience guided her future aspirations: "really makes you think about how your piece can connect to the next one."

Sprott will perform in the final concert series titled To Be. He shared his disbelief at his achievements: “When I was the age of our Pre-College students, I couldn't imagine that I would be performing at the Kennedy Center,” adding it is now a reality for current students.

Sophia Dou echoed similar sentiments regarding newfound career possibilities through her participation in Sounds of US. She stated composing for this project helped hone her voice despite challenges like tight deadlines.