Composer Libby Larsen to speak in Master Class, serve as a guest composer

Composer Libby Larsen will take up a residency Wednesday and Thursday at the Jacobs School of Music as part of the music school’s “Five Friends Master Class Series.”

Larsen will give a lecture at 4 p.m. Wednesday in Ford-Crawford Hall.

She will also serve as guest composer for the New Music Ensemble’s performance at 8 p.m. Thursday in Auer Hall.

As part of her residency, Larsen will offer free lessons to Jacobs composition students.

The Master Class Series honors the lives of five Jacobs students.

Larsen’s residency will honor former student Robert Samels.

Throughout her career, Larsen has created more than 400 compositions, including more than 12 operas, and has received multiple honors for her work, including a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance in 1994.

In 1973, Larsen co-founded the Minnesota Composers Forum, now the American Composers Forum.

The organization encourages composers and musicians to make and perform new music.
Larsen’s lecture and the New Music Ensemble’s performance are free and open to the public.

— Carolyn Crowcroft