The new Spark Collective performs premieres

A theatrical work on the mortality of ice, songs inspired by musical theater and a children’s book, a two-movement composition that includes driving electric guitar, and a two-movement work inspired by different kinds of motion, are all on this New Voices concert.

The concert, “New Voices: Music by USC Student Composers,” takes place in the School of Music Recital Hall (813 Assembly St.) on Saturday, December 2, at 7:30 p.m.

Five student composers present a concert of world premieres featuring music performed by members of the School of Music’s new Spark Collective. The concert is a collaboration between the University of South Carolina School of Music’s composition program and the new Spark Collective – an ensemble of USC graduate students from across the U.S., focused on community outreach and engagement through the lens of high-quality chamber music experiences. Members of the Spark Collective are musically coached by USC faculty, receive training in community programming, and work with community partners to create new opportunities for the Collective.

The composers whose works are being performed are Zane Bridwell, Thomas Palmer, Jesse Strickland, Robert Wilkinson and Jacob Wylie.

The Spark Collective members, under the direction of Dr. Rebecca Nagel, director of Spark: Carolina’s Music Leadership Laboratory, are Jennifer Davis, flute; Christopher McDonald, guitar; Isabel Ong, violin; Keri Lee Pierson, soprano; and Jacob Wylie, percussion.