Funded by University of South Carolina’s “Racial Justice and Equity Fund,” the Southern Exposure New Music Series at the UofSC School of Music will commission composers Nicky Sohn and Marcus Norris to write new works for a superb chamber ensemble of UofSC faculty new-music performers. 

The theme of the project is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on how it has impacted underrepresented communities. Each awarded composer will receive $3,000 to compose a new 5-10 minute work for the following ensemble (or a subset of at least four instruments; optional electronics/playback also available):

Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute (all doublings)
Michael Harley, bassoon
Ari Streisfeld, violin
Claire Bryant, cello
Craig Butterfield, double bass
Philip Bush, piano

Instead of a traditional live premiere, the newly commissioned works will be recorded (both audio and video) in Spring 2022 and premiered on a virtual Southern Exposure concert on YouTube.