In May 2006, as part of the yearlong celebration of WomenSing’s fortieth anniversary, the chorus commissioned Libby Larsen to compose a suite set to three of Emily Dickinson’s poems on music. The dynamic Larsen, holder of the Papamarkou Chair at John W. Kluge Center of the Library of Congress, traveled to the Bay Area to conduct a workshop in preparation for the June 2006 premiere of Of Music. WomenSing also invited two high school honors composition students to attend the workshop and present their work for discussion. The day closed with a reception.

“For me the workshop was exciting, electrifying, inspiring and rewarding,” says Artistic Director Martín Benvenuto. “Libby not only shared openly her creative process, allowing us all to come to a deeper understanding of the piece and new music in general, but also addressed many of the issues of the music of our time eloquently and passionately. She also proved to be an extraordinary master teacher to two wonderful young emerging composers from Miramonte High School. The exchange was fluid, enriching and memorable.”

Artistic Director Martín Benvenuto and Composer Libby Larsen study the score of Larsen’s Of Music, commissioned by WomenSing.

Composer Larsen discusses music with Miramonte Students Jack Henry (left) and graduate Ryan Harper, now attending Yale as a composition major.