This summer, 14 composers submitted applications to be considered for the role of Classical Revolution RVA’s Featured Composer for 2023-2024. Their applications each included one piece, which was to be representative of the composer’s body of work and for no more than 6 performers. These pieces were examined by a committee made up of members of the CRRVA Board of Directors, staff, and local musicians. The committee evaluated applications based on musicality, attention to detail, and the feasibility of producing live performances of the submitted works.
From these 14 composers, the committee and CRRVA artistic staff selected four composers to be featured in tonight’s recital. One of the four wonderful composers whose works you heard tonight will be chosen as our 2023-2024 Featured Composer! As the featured composer, Classical Revolution rva will facilitate the presentation of the Featured Composer’s compositions from their existing body of work during the 2023-2024 season. The Featured Composer will be recognized at CRRVA events and offered the opportunity to introduce his, her, or their works to the audience.
As our audience heard last night, these composers are all skilled and talented musicians, and the decision was an incredibly challenging one. After much thought and deliberation, we made the decision to select not one, but two composers who embody the mission of Classical Revolution RVA: Krystal Folkestad and Ned Haskins.
Krystal’s compositions are beautiful and accessible, and will be appreciated both by classical music lovers and those new to the genre! Her work to support and present the works of underrepresented composers truly embodies CRRVA’s mission to share the love of classical music with everyone, and we look forward to collaborating with her to create a more inclusive classical music community here in Richmond.
Ned is a composer who embodies CRRVA’s mission to integrate classical music into Richmond’s vibrant music scene by writing pieces that blur the distinction between popular and classical music. Collaboration has always been a core value of Classical Revolution RVA, and Ned went above and beyond to work with his ensemble to ensure a successful performance of his piece.
We can’t wait to hear what else our Featured Composers have in store for us this season!