School of Music to premiere work by renowned composer

The premiere of a commissioned musical work by Scottish-born composer Thea Musgrave will help the School of Music seal the century — and campus sesquicentennial — at a free concert Friday, Dec. 10.

Musgrave chose the John Dryden poem, “Song for St. Cecilia’s Day” as the inspiration for her new “Celebration.” The birthday of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, is celebrated in December, and the piece was commissioned for another celebration, the UW–Madison Sesquicentennial.

The UW–Madison Chamber Orchestra and Concert Choir will debut the new piece under the guest direction of Beverly Taylor. She says Musgrave’s presence at rehearsals will present members of the orchestra and chorus with a rare and wonderful learning experience.

“Thea Musgrave is one of the best-known living composers of the 20th century, and having her here will give us the opportunity to see from the ground up what goes into putting together a piece like this. We’ll also be able to ask questions,” Taylor says, adding she is sure there will be some. “The piece is quite accessible, but, of course, there are no previous recordings of it, so it will be an adventure for all of us to premiere it.”

“Celebration” will join works by Respighi, Fauré and Copland directed by Chamber Orchestra conductor David Becker.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in Mills Concert Hall. Admission is free. For more information, call the Concert Hotline, (608) 263-9485.