Starburst: Composer Jessie Montgomery

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Mead Composer In-Residence Jessie Montgomery.

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WDCB 90.9 FM · The Arts Section: A Conversation With Jessie Montgomery

“I think just having an eclectic appreciation for music early on in life is the thing that’s kept me open-minded about what’s stylistically what’s possible in my own music.” - Composer Jessie Montgomery talking about her different music influences.

CSO Mead Composer In-Residence Jessie Montgomery & WDCB’s Gary Zidek

One of the country’s most exciting voices in orchestral music is spending a lot more time in Chicago these days. That’s because Jessie Montgomery is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Mead Composer In-Residence. The Manhattan-based composer, violinist and educator accepted the prestigious position a little over a year ago. Recently, CSO music director Riccardo Muti conducted Montgomery’s first CSO-commissioned work, the world premiere of HYMN FOR EVERYONE.

Montgomery is also responsible for curating the CSO’s MusicNOW series which highlights contemporary composers. The next MusicNOW concert, CONCERTO, will take place Monday May 23 at the Harris Theater.

The CSO’s next MusicNOW concert, CONCERTO, is set for May 23 at the Harris Theater. You can find more information at cso.org. And you can check out Jessie Montgomery’s website at jessiemontgomery.com