COMPOSER SPOTLIGHT: REBECCA NISCO, COMPOSITION RECITAL
On Saturday, April 27th, MCI composer Rebecca Nisco will be hosting her Senior Composition Recital in Washington, D.C. This special event will feature performances of past works along with several world premieres composed for the occasion. Read on to learn more about the inspirations behind the composer's program:
What was your inspiration for the nature of this recital program?
When I first envisioned the program of my senior recital a few years ago, I knew that I wanted to have some sort of arch or theme to add a level of cohesiveness to the program. Because many of my compositions are fueled by storytelling, I wanted this to be reflected in my recital through several mediums. I decided that the pieces I would compose in the next year would each tell a part of what makes me, me. Whether it is my parents, my siblings, where I am from, my religion, or my love of storytelling, it is all represented in my recital.
What compelled you to choose the works featured on your program?
Choosing the works that would appear on my recital was an easy task because I had a source of inspiration to work with. I knew that I wanted to have my best and most recent works that not only aligned with this theme, but also showed a diverse range of orchestration and mediums. I am really proud to say that all of the compositions that will be appearing on this recital were composed within 11 months. There's a string quartet with live electronics, a trio for double bass, cello, and piano, a piece for choir, a piece for pierrot ensemble, film cues, and selections from my new musical, to name a few!
Did you face any challenges or difficulties in putting together the program?
I think one of the hardest parts of putting on my recital is the rehearsal period. There are nearly forty musicians featured in my recital and it has been difficult to schedule rehearsal times. Despite this difficulty, I've learned so much about this process. Collaborating with others is one of the reasons why I love composition; it is refreshing to see such an eagerness and willingness in the musicians that put on your work. While scheduling has definitely been difficult, being able to work with so many talented and passionate musicians has been such an honor.
What do you hope your audience (and performers) will ultimately take away the most from being a part of your program?
I hope that each performer and audience member walks away with their own story to tell. I hope my music allows my performers to find their own meaning of the piece and express that in the performance. I hope audience members will feel like they can connect with the music in some way. When we compose music, we are opening ourselves up like an artist would in their painting, or an author in their novel. We are completely vulnerable and exposed. I hope people will be able to see how much I love what I do and that each composition is apart of what makes me who I am.
