A Conversation With Composer Missy Mazzoli

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with Missy Mazzoli, the new Mead Composer-in-residence for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to acclaimed composer Missy Mazzoli.

“I had all these other interests, even at a young age, I was interested in poetry, visual art, theater and literature. I needed to find something that would allow me to unite all those interests. And composing does that. Composing enables you to access all these other art forms and all these other people and communities, and to bring that into your work.” - Missy Mazzoli talking about what drew her to composing music at a young age.

Missy Mazzoli inside a studio at Symphony Center

One of the most exciting composers working today is ready to leave her mark on Chicago’s music scene. Missy Mazzoli is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s new Mead Composer-in-residence. Mazzoli will curate the CSO’s contemporary music series, MusicNOW, as well as provide artistic guidance on contemporary music projects.

Mazzoli says her overarching goal for the MusicNOW series will be to expose Chicago audiences to new composers. Her first MusicNOW program, titled QUIRKS AND CURRENTS, takes place at the Harris Theatre on Monday 10/22. The November program (on 11/19) will focus on composers with Chicago connections.

Last month, the Metropolitan Opera in New York announced it was commissioning Mazzoli to write an opera based on George Saunders award-winning novel “Lincoln in the Bardo”. It’s the first time the Met has commissioned a woman to write an opera, the significance isn’t lost on Mazzoli. In addition to her busy schedule as a composer and now curator, Mazzoli is also a big supporter of Luna Composition Lab, a program that aims to inspire girls and young women to compose. You can find more information here.

And for more information on Ms. Mazzoli’s work visit her website here.