Composers Among Us 2005

In 2005, SJCO invited its first composer in residence, Vivan Fung, commisioning Butterflies, a new work that was premiered in the orchestra’s last concert of the season.

Vivian Fung has been described by the New York Times as “prodigiously gifted,” and by the Seattle Times as “a composer of considerable skill.” She has had an impressive string of commissions and performances by such performers and ensembles as Gerard Schwarz, the Seattle Symphony, New York Chamber Symphony, San José Chamber Orchestra, members of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, New England Philharmonic, American String Quartet, Avalon String Quartet, Vancouver New Music, and American Opera Projects.

On May 28, 2005, SJCO held its first Young Composers’ Symposium with Barbara Day Turner, Conductor and Vivian Fung, Composer in residence.

Young composers were invited to participate in a one-day event of string quartet readings and discussions sponsored by the San José Chamber Orchestra. With support from the American Symphony Orchestra League and Meet the Composer Music Alive! program, composer-in-residence, Vivian Fung coordinated sessions for young composers to meet and work with musicians, professional composers and receive feedback on their work.

Also participating in the symposium were composers Pablo Furman, Brent Heisinger, Henry Mollicone, Hyo-shin Na and Phil Young.