The Shorter University New Music Series was founded in 2006 in response to a recommendation from the National Association of Schools of Music that we provide more opportunities for the students of Shorter College to experience and perform contemporary art music. The hallmark of the Series will be a sequence of world-premiere commissions from up-and-coming composers that will be performed and recorded by the faculty and students of Shorter University’s music department. The New Music Series was founded by Dr. Matthew Hoch in 2006 and is now administrated by Mr. Chuck Chandler, Assistant Professor of Music.

It is our hope that the inauguration of this Series will, over time, create a rich body of published and recorded literature that will nurture the students of Shorter University, enrich the audiences of Northwest Georgia, and create significant contributions to the canon of American art song, keyboard music, and choral repertoire.

New Music Series 2011

In 2011, New York City composer Norman Mathews has been commissioned to write a new work for a faculty vocal ensemble and piano. This piece will be premiered on September 19, 2011. Shorter students, faculty, and alumni will also present a truncated version of "Lost Empires," a musical theatre piece that will comprise the second half of the program. The program will also include previously written art songs. In the workshops and lectures that will surround this event, students and faculty will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Mathews, discuss his career and compositional decisions, and coach his repertoire with him.

Norman Mathews Monday, September 19, 2011 Brookes Chapel www.normanmathews.com Read bio>

New Music Series 2009

The first New Music Series commission has already been contracted, and will be premiered in the fall of 2009. Jocelyn Hagen of Minneapolis, Minnesota, will write two new works for voice and piano: a short song cycle for baritone and piano and a duet for soprano and tenor. The premiere of these works will take place in Brookes Chapel at Shorter University on September 14th, 2009. In the workshops and lectures that will surround this event, students and faculty will have the opportunity to meet Ms. Hagen, discuss her career and compositional decisions, and coach her repertoire with her.

Jocelyn Hagen Sunday, September 14, 2009 Brookes Chapel www.jocelynhagen.com Read bio>

Click here to download the program from 2009>
Click here to view the photo gallery>

New Music Series 2007

The first installment of the New Music Series occured on September 17, 2007, and featured works by Shorter University's faculty and student composers; Professor of Music Dr. Sam Baltzer, Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Linda Lister, and sophomore Thomas Williams all had works perfomed on this concert. Other works by Arnold Schoenberg, Olivier Messiaen, Dmitri Kabalevsky, Robert Muczynski, and Oliver Knussen rounded out the program.

Composers Sought

Shorter University is currently seeking a Composer-in-Residence for the 2013 installment of the New Music Series. The selected composer will receive a commission fee, accomodations, and round-trip transportation to Rome, Georgia for an evening devoted to his or her music. In exchange, the composer will agree to write at least one new work which will receive its premiere as part of the Shorter University New Music Series.

For consideration, interested composers may send materials and inquiries to:

Chuck Chandler
Director, New Music Series
Shorter University - 315 Shorter Ave.
Rome, GA 30165-4267
cchandler@shorter.edu