In 1960 composer Aaron Copland summed up centuries of misconceptions when he asked the question, “Is it possible that there is a mysterious element in the nature of musical creativity that runs counter to the nature of the feminine mind?” Only 57 years later, all three finalists for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize were women, including winner Du Yun. The USC Wind Ensemble celebrates the emergence of female composers by opening our 2017-18 season performing works by five of today’s leading composers, who just so happen to be women.

The program:

Jennifer Higdon – Fanfare Ritmico
Kristin Kuster – Lost Gulch Lookout
Cindy McTee – Soundings
Roshanne Etezady – Anahita
Chen Yi – Dragon Rhyme