The Hugo and Christine Davise Fund for Contemporary Music, administered through the UCLA Music Library, has awarded grants to nine faculty and student projects. These initiatives aim to push the boundaries of contemporary music through innovative compositions, participatory events, and multimedia platforms. The projects were chosen based on their potential to contribute significantly to the field, including world premieres, podcasts, and performances that challenge traditional music paradigms. Ephemera from these projects will be added to the extensive collection of the Music Library, enhancing its status as one of the largest academic music repositories in North America.

Exploring New Frontiers in Composition and Performance

Several projects funded by the Davise endowment focus on creating and performing new musical works. One such project involves three companion commissions inspired by J.S. Bach’s “Gigue from E Major Partita BWV 1006.” Led by UCLA faculty Movses Pogossian, this initiative includes a violin recital and the premiere of three short dance movements composed by Gabriela Lena Frank, Andrew McIntosh, and Niall Tarō Ferguson. Another notable project is “Just Breathe,” curated by Catherine Gregory, which explores the significance of breath in music and life through newly commissioned works for ancient instruments like the flute, percussion, and voice.

In addition, the “Trouble the Water” project, led by Jordan Hugh Sam, fosters an intercollegiate collaboration between UCLA choral ensembles and Virginia State University concert choir students. This residency celebrates the legacy of Undine Smith Moore, a pioneering Black woman composer, through workshops and performances of her choral works. Meanwhile, Yoni Fogelman’s contemporary oratorio, supported by Joung-A Monica Yum, reimagines the story of Hanukkah with a fusion of ancient Jewish texts and original poetry. Finally, Pierre Boulez’s “Improvisations sur Mallarmé II” will be performed by uclaFLUX, a student ensemble dedicated to modern chamber music.

Expanding Access and Representation in Contemporary Music

Other projects emphasize inclusivity and accessibility in the contemporary music scene. Nina Eidsheim’s “Pussy Listening” project introduces an activist listening practice that challenges conventional listening norms and develops new music theory. Alec Norkey’s podcasting service aims to highlight the achievements of UCLA alumni composers, particularly those from historically underrepresented communities. The “Theorizing Trauma and Disability in the Arts” concert, organized by Jenny Olivia Johnson, showcases artists whose work is deeply influenced by disability or traumatic experiences. Notably, Maria Chavez, a renowned Latine turntable artist, will headline this event, sharing her journey following major brain surgery.

Furthermore, Emma Breen’s “Project Nimbus” commissions Matias Ambrogi-Torres to create a piece that highlights the versatility of brass instruments, paying homage to John Williams’ cinematic scores. This work will premiere at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, bringing the magic of film music to patients and families. Through these diverse initiatives, the Davise Fund continues to support groundbreaking projects that expand the horizons of contemporary music, ensuring that it remains accessible and representative of all voices.