The Pasadena Symphony has named Peter Boyer as its Composer in Residence for the 2012-13 season. It has also commissioned Boyer to compose his first symphony, to close its 85th anniversary season at Ambassador Auditorium on April 27, 2013, and invited him to conduct its premiere. The full announcement can be found here.
“We are very excited about working alongside such a well respected composer as we celebrate our 85th season,” said Paul Jan Zdunek, Chief Executive Officer of the Pasadena Symphony Association. “Peter is an amazingly versatile talent, which is why he is in continuous demand in the orchestral and film industries.”
Boyer stated, “I am honored and excited to accept the Pasadena Symphony’s invitation to serve as its Composer in Residence for the 2012-13 season. I have long admired this excellent orchestra, whose members include musical colleagues and friends. A commission for a first symphony is both a great challenge and splendid opportunity for any composer. I’m most grateful for the opportunity, and eagerly look forward to the collaboration ahead.”
Two other works of Boyer’s will also be performed as part of the residency: “Apollo” from Three Olympians, conducted by Tito Muñoz, on January 12, 2013; and Festivities, conducted by Jose Luis Gomez, on April 27, 2013—along with the Symphony No. 1 premiere conducted by Boyer. The full season announcement can be found here.
The Pasadena Symphony hopes to record Boyer’s Symphony No. 1 (planned to be 25 to 28 minutes in duration) and Festivities as part of an all-Boyer CD for Naxos. The orchestra is planning a new fundraising effort, dubbed “The Fresh Ink Society,” in support of that goal, and Boyer’s residency will include special events with friends and donors, in which he will share excerpts of his new work in progress.