A gathering of talented undergraduate composers from Northwestern's Bienen School of Music recently graced the Regenstein Master Class Room with their innovative creations. The Student Composers Concert provided a platform for these emerging artists to unveil their original compositions, each piece reflecting unique artistic expressions and personal stories.

Inspired by poetry and daily routines, the concert opened with Elisa Johnson's evocative work, "Caged Bird." This piece, set to the words of Maya Angelou's celebrated poem, was performed by Risha Hussain and Johnson herself. The collaboration between the two students not only highlighted their shared admiration for Angelou’s work but also demonstrated how music can amplify the depth of poetic language. Johnson's experimental use of sound effects aimed to visually and audibly depict themes such as freedom and resilience, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

The evening continued with diverse performances showcasing the breadth of musical expression among the young composers. Matthew Huang Mailman presented "Blackout," a vocal composition inspired by blackout poetry techniques. By reimagining text fragments into a cohesive narrative, Mailman crafted an 11-minute journey that resonated deeply with listeners. Meanwhile, Henry Gloege introduced his viola piece, "vierundsechzig in 5 movements," which exemplified the transformative power of collaboration in music-making. Gloege’s ability to adapt his original cello composition to fit the viola added another layer of complexity and richness to the concert.

Musical innovation reached its peak with Ovya Diwakaran's whimsical "8:16am: Morning Skincare." Performed on clarinet, this piece broke traditional boundaries by incorporating visual elements—Diwakaran's own skincare products—to engage the audience further. Her approach underscored the potential for classical music to embrace storytelling in unconventional ways, inviting listeners to connect emotionally with even the simplest aspects of life.

Creative expression through music not only enriches individual experiences but also fosters community and understanding among diverse audiences. These young composers have shown that art has no limits when fueled by passion and imagination. Their works remind us all of the boundless possibilities inherent in self-expression and the universal language of music.