'Crossing Borders' Concert Returns to Debut Work by New Composers

LOGAN — USU String Chamber Music and the Caine College of the Arts present “Crossing Borders — 21st Century Chamber Music from Diverse Voices,” developed in partnership with the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music.

The concert will be live from the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. March 23 and livestreamed on the CCA YouTube channel.

The concert features the world premieres of “Juvenoia for String Quartet”by Stephen Mitton, “Dan Poong for String Quartet” by Jungyoon Wie, and “Song Settings of two poems by Jean Toomer (1894-1967)”by Dawn Norfleet.

“As part of an ongoing partnership with the Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music, the USU Music Department has co-commissioned two new works from composers Dawn Norfleet and Jungyoon Wie,” said Brad Ottesen, professor of professional practice in the CCA and violist in the Fry Street Quartet. “Dr. Norfleet has composed a new set of songs based on the poetry of Harlem Renaissance-era writer Jean Toomer, and Dr. Wie has written a short piece for string quartet, ‘Dan Poong,’which evokes the changing of the seasons in Korea.”

Ottesen said there will be works performed by composers from a range of cultural and musical backgrounds. Other featured artists are Adeliia Faizullina, Kevin Day, Nicolas Benavides, Christine Delphine Hedden, Akshaya Tucker, and Gabriela Lena Frank.

The Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music aims to inspire emerging composers to create self-determined artistic lives through mentorship; readings with master performers; hands-on practicums addressing the creative habit in the intimate and eco-conscious setting of Gabriela’s two farms; and creating a support structure for alumni of the program that entails commissions and seed funds for collaborations with one another.

Tickets for Crossing Borders are $8-10 and free for USU students with ID. For more information or tickets, contact the CCA Box Office in room L101 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-8022, or go online to cca.usu.edu.