Luna Composition Lab is thrilled to announce a new partnership with ChamberQUEER!
ChamberQUEER (CQ) is a multifaceted organization that highlights LGBTQ+ voices in contemporary and historical music and reimagines the classical concert experience as a radically inclusive gathering space and musical community for the 21st century. CQ questions existing norms of classical concerts: from repertoire and programming, to concert dress and audience etiquette, CQ “queers” the experience of classical music, making it an inclusive and inviting space for all.
As part of our collaboration, we invited Luna Lab alumni to submit pieces to be considered for performance and new commissions. After a competitive application process, Luna Lab and ChamberQUEER have commissioned Lili M. Namazi (2022–23) and Sage Shurman (2019–20), to write new works for CQ to be premiered in New York City in Fall 2024. The evening-length performance of works by Luna Lab alumni will also feature an arrangement by Devon Lee (2020–21), commissioned by Luna Lab and CQ, alongside works by Lucy Chen (2022–23), Alicia Erlandson (2021–22), Jane Meenaghan (2018–19), and Caleb Palka (2017–18). Lili, Sage, and Devon’s new works will be presented in an open workshop at ChamberQUEER 2024: Constellations, which is CQ’s annual festival during Pride month, taking place at Theatre Mitu in Brooklyn from June 11-16, 2024.
In addition to the commissioning project, ChamberQUEER artists will offer three virtual master classes for the Luna Lab community each year. This will expand the Luna Lab series from three to six sessions annually. Our first class will feature Brooklyn-based performing artist Aviva Jaye on Thursday, May 2 from 7:30–9:00 PM EST. Aviva will speak about her background, career in the arts, and perform short excerpts written by our 2023–24 fellows for folk/lever harp and voice. She will also offer insights for young composers in an engaging Q&A. Learn More.
This partnership is made possible through the support of the New York Community Trust.