EVDIV 314 - Composition Seminar

Hilary Purrington
Composition Seminar introduces diverse perspectives on the field of music composition through the lens of a variety of guest faculty. In the Fall 2024 semester, guest faculty member and composer Hilary Purrington will coach 10 composition students over the course of three sessions and share insights on writing for voice and working within the genre of art song. Participating students will have their works read by Juilliard musicians. Students who are interested are also encouraged to register for the auditing section where they can attend the classes in person and learn from each session in a masterclass format. Please note, audit section students will not have their works read by musicians or coached by the instructor. Application is required for the coaching section of this course.

Biography: Hilary Purrington is a prominent contemporary composer celebrated for her compelling contributions to chamber, vocal, and orchestral music. Her compositions have garnered esteemed recognition from institutions such as the American Academy of Arts and Letters, ASCAP, the International Alliance for Women in Music, and the NFMC, underscoring her impact on the classical music landscape. Purrington’s orchestral and chamber pieces have been showcased by prestigious ensembles including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, American Modern Ensemble, and the Chicago Harp Quartet. Notably, her orchestral work “Likely Pictures in Haphazard Sky,” initially premiered by the Yale Philharmonia, has resonated widely, performed by orchestras like the Minnesota Orchestra and the Phoenix Symphony. She continues to receive commissions from esteemed groups like the Juilliard Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra, illustrating her ongoing influence and versatility. Beyond orchestral realms, Purrington has crafted compositions for dance, collaborating with institutions like Periapsis Music and Dance and the Albany Symphony. Her vocal works, ranging from solo pieces to choral compositions, showcase her prowess as a composer for the voice, with notable premieres and commissions from groups like Melodia Women’s Choir of NYC and C4. An accomplished vocalist herself, Purrington’s repertoire extends to opera and art song, with her composition “That Night” earning a GRAMMY nomination as part of mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke’s album. Her creative endeavors also include collaborations with children’s author Mo Willems, reinforcing her ability to engage diverse audiences through music. Currently based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Purrington holds degrees from the Yale School of Music, The Juilliard School, and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Her journey from western Massachusetts to becoming a leading force in contemporary classical music underscores her dedication and artistic vision.

3 weeks

Wednesdays 6–8pm ET

October 16–30

In Person Only

Coaching Section
$480 plus $130 musician fee per semester

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Auditor Section
$180