Guest Artists

Kala Pierson

[photo of Kala Pierson]

Kala Pierson is an American composer and sound artist. Vivid, expressive, and full of bold colors, her music has been performed in more than 30 countries on six continents, widely awarded and commissioned, and published by Universal Edition. She’s held season-long composer residencies with American Opera Projects, Tribeca Performing Arts Center, and San Francisco Choral Artists. With deep interests in non-western musics, she’s initiated many cross-cultural projects. Born in 1977, she studied composition at Eastman School of Music and now lives in Philadelphia with her spouses and son. Connect with her on social networks or at kalapierson.com.

 

Exit 128

Exit 128 is a student-run contemporary chamber orchestra at the University of Missouri currently in its second season. Devoted mainly to presenting the works of underperformed composers, Exit 128 has so far given eight world premieres of works for chamber orchestra. In addition to premiering new works, the ensemble has also devoted a large portion of its programs to performing preexisting works by living composers. After putting out a call for scores and receiving over 200 submitted scores, four pieces were selected for inclusion on concerts during Exit 128’s 2015-16 season.  Exit 128 bridges the divide between chamber music groups and conducted large ensembles with 14 core instrumentalists plus a conductor, allowing its members—mostly undergraduates—a chance to perform 20th and 21st century music. soundcloud.com/exit128orch

exit128

 

Uncommon Practice

Truman State University’s Contemporary Music Ensemble, strives to cultivate appreciation for modern music amongst students and audiences. In addition to contributing musical talent, all performers contribute to our ensemble by fulfilling the behind-the-scenes roles of performing music. Ensemble members develop skills relevant for professional musicians through critical thinking in the music-making process, while being part of an organization that allows for valuable collaborative experiences between students and teachers.