From the Director

This fourth iteration of the New Horizons Music Festival continues the tradition being established of musical diversity and adventurous listening experiences. For the 2016 edition we welcome to the Festival composer Kala Pierson, and two new Ensemble of fine student musicians specializing in contemporary music.

Exit 128 is a new student-run contemporary chamber orchestra comprised of students enrolled at the University of Missouri. Directed by Travis Herd, the group performs a Tuman as part of its second season and has presented several concerts already and even toured.

Uncommon Practice will give its premier performance at the Festival. Organized by a new faculty member—composer Victor Marquez-Barrios—the ensemble is meant to be democratic, with the students involved in all aspects of the ensembles workings.

The Festival will also include free improvisation to the horror classic Night of the Living Dead, a concert utilizing custom built software instruments designed by students in the Electronic Music Working Group, and a recital of contemporary music featuring four Truman faculty.

Continuing the long tradition of centering our Festival around a gifted composer, we are excited to feature the music of Kala Pierson. As you learn by reading her biography, Kala is a very active and successful composer active internationally. SAI has commissioned a new work from her for Cantoria. Dr. Mark Jennings will lead the premiere performance of Radiant Sea to close the Festival.

As you brows this website you will see the Festival also includes lectures, talks, and master classes, just have a look at the schedule. There really is something for everyone: you’re going to love it!

Charles Gran
Festival Director

New Horizons Music Festival

The New Horizons Music Festival is an event that showcases recently composed music on the campus of Truman State University. Guest composers also present workshops for students and faculty. A wide variety of music is showcased, including electronic, instrumental, and excerpts from musical theater. Each festival has at least one new work commissioned for one of Truman’s large ensembles.

The festival is presented by the Truman State University Department of Music and the Epsilon Pi chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, the international women’s music fraternity. In July of 2015, Epsilon Pi gave a presentation at the Sigma Alpha Iota National Convention over the New Horizons Music Festival.