2011 Minnesota Emerging Composer Award (MECA) Winners Announced
2011 Minnesota Emerging Composer Award (MECA) Winners Announced
ST. PAUL, MN – Three Minnesota artists have been selected to receive Minnesota Emerging Composer Awards (MECA) from the American Composers Forum. Each receives $3,000 to pursue a new project that will help them take artistic risks and push their careers ahead.
The MECA program, now in its third year, is supported by the Jerome Foundation and seeks to identify artists whose work falls outside ACF’s typical granting processes. The program asks leading local artists – familiar with the improvised, electronic and world music scenes – to nominate an original, creative musician with significant potential, in each of these areas. The selected candidates are invited to propose a project that will boost their career and artistry, to be completed within the following twelve months.
The 2011 MECA awards go to:
John Keston
Malamanya
Graham O’Brien
John Keston, will develop an electro-acoustic duet using generative music software he developed, combined with a live drummer. Keston’s generative music software converts video signals into musical phrases that are looped and routed to a variety of synthesized timbres, and then manipulated via a tactile interface. Keston will also record a full length album of material generated by the new work.
Malamanya, is a six member Cuban son band. Each member will participate in both individual and group instruction with local, recognized Latin music experts to expand on and deepen their existing musical foundation and knowledge. Malamanya will also record a new album of new, original compositions.
Graham O’Brien, will create a new recording using a drum-set to combine 1960’s and 70’s-inspired free improvisation, and modern, experimental drum recording and mixing techniques of present-day. O’Brien will use experimental microphone techniques, “found object” percussion, and both sampled and live instrumentation recorded in the new work.
The Jerome Foundation, created by artist and philanthropist Jerome Hill (1905-1972), seeks to contribute to a dynamic and evolving culture by supporting the creation, development, and production of new works by emerging artists. The Foundation makes grants to not-for-profit arts organizations and artists in Minnesota and New York City.
Founded in 1973, The American Composers Forum is committed to supporting composers and developing new markets for their music. Through granting, commissioning, and performance programs, the Forum provides composers at all stages of their careers with valuable resources for professional and artistic development. By linking communities with composers and performers, the Forum fosters a demand for new music, enriches communities, and helps develop the next generation of composers, musicians, and music patrons.
