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Minnesota Orchestra premieres Merritt composition

By David Gonnerman '90
November 11, 2008

On Nov. 7 the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vanska, premiered a new piece by St. Olaf Assistant Professor in Music Theory and Composition Justin Merritt. The concert was part of the ensemble's "Future Classics" program in which the ensemble performs the new works of a select group of young composers (in this case seven out of the 168 who applied). The program also includes a weeklong course at the Minnesota Orchestra Composers Institute, where participants delve into the workings of a professional American symphony orchestra.

"Much to anticipate from these 7," said the headline of the St. Paul Pioneer Press review of the performance. "For singularity of style, Merritt's piece was the standout," concluded the review. Read more about Merritt and the other composers in the Pioneer Press and Star Tribune. Also check out Merritt's blog about the experience, where he writes, "I didn't realize when I moved to Minnesota four years ago that I was landing in one of the epicenters of new music in America."

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.