On October 15, 2024, four of my talented VCU's composition students—Jason Leung, Aniyah Ricks, Austin Sellick, and Myles Black—took a significant step forward in their musical journeys as their original works were recorded by the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) in our concert hall. This collaboration was more than a performance; it was an intensive learning experience that immersed the students in every stage of preparing music for an orchestra.
Throughout the composition process, I had the privilege of advising Jason, Aniyah, Austin, and Myles, guiding them through revisions and refining their scores. Each piece was carefully reviewed, and before reaching the musicians, RSYO’s conductor, Hae Lee, offered his insights, ensuring the scores were both challenging and suitable for the ensemble. Working closely with a conductor, whose feedback helped shape the final versions of their compositions, gave the students an invaluable perspective on the collaborative nature of orchestration.
As emerging media composers, these students are accustomed to working with digital samples and virtual instruments, so hearing their music brought to life by a live orchestra has been an extraordinary experience. The thrill of seeing their creative visions interpreted by live musicians has been inspiring for them, deepening their understanding of orchestration and the emotive power that only an orchestra can bring to a composition.
Dr. Leitão has tirelessly worked to give his composition students opportunities to improve, to connect, and to share our progress and music. I am so grateful and excited that I got to see a live orchestra rehearse and record my piece, and glimpse at all of the considerations therein. This collaboration was irreplaceable, humbling, and very, very fun. - Jason Leung
The highlight of this collaboration is yet to come: the RSYO will perform Jason Leung’s piece, Adylis, during their upcoming fall concert. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, at 7:00 PM in the Carpenter Theatre at the Dominion Energy Center, this concert is free and open to the public. In addition to Adylis, the program will feature compositions by renowned composers like Benjamin Britten and J.S. Bach, offering a dynamic blend of new and classic works.
This experience affirmed our dedication at VCU to nurturing young talent by fostering real-world collaboration. I am immensely proud of Jason, Aniyah, Austin, and Myles, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Richmond Symphony to provide students with even more opportunities to realize their creative potential.
For more details about the RSYO fall concert, visit the Richmond Symphony website.
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