Stephen Dankner— New Orleans, LA
Composer-in-residence, December 2004 - January 2005
"My
residency at A Studio In The Woods was scheduled for the
two weeks from December 19, 2004 through January 2, 2005.
I am a composer; my project was to accomplish some or all
of the following: to undertake and make progress on the
orchestration of a "Serenade" for small orchestra
(this is a 17-minute, four movement work for 18 musicians),
and if time permitted, to begin the composition of a projected
three-movement "Eighth Symphony". This work was
commissioned by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra for
their 2006-'07 season. Both of these projects are very elaborate.
I would have anticipated that each would have taken well
over two months to complete, under normal working conditions
at home.
I am very happy to report that I completed
the orchestration in the first instance, and have completed
one and one-half movements of the Symphony as well. I had
not anticipated that I would be so prolific in my work while
at ASITW. As the following statement will show, this was
inevitable, give the unique environment ASITW affords.
The environment at ASITW is perfect in all
respects for solitary work, done in concentrated detail.
The atmosphere (woods, scenery, rustic cabin, closeness
to nature), combined with the isolation from the city and
its distractions was perfect. Upon my arrival at ASITW from
the city, I had virtually no difficulties in making the
transition to this glorious location. Not only were all
the physical necessities properly prepared for my arrival
by the owners of the colony, Joe and Lucianne Carmichael,
but the impact of arriving at this pristine natural environment
immediately set my mood and esthetic in the ideal frame
to begin my work. From day one I "hit the ground running",
as the saying goes.
The care taken by the Carmichaels to ensure
my uninterrupted residency at ASITW was extraordinary. I
have attended three artist colonies, and can state that
no greater concern for the artist and her/his work was made
evident than that which I experienced at ASITW.
In fact, the lively conversations and meaningful
relationships that I established with Lucianne and Joe contributed
hugely to my sense of well-being, and to the production
of work I accomplished at ASITW; they were true and tangible
sources of my inspiration.
It is my hope that future caretakers of the
colony realize that something important and very special
is going on at ASITW. The Carmichaels have nurtured this
place as if it were a living entity, and it shows. I hope
that ASITW has a long and glorious lifespan, and that it
continues to provide the unique haven from the world that
artists need and cherish. My support for this concept and
for this particular place is undying. I will always remember
the work I did here and the gift that being here was for
me. I have dedicated my "Eighth Symphony" to the
Carmichaels in gratitude. I hope to see them "front
and center" in the first balcony of the Orpheum Theater
for the premiere with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
in two years, where they will be the guests of honor, believe
me."
— Stephen Dankner, December
30, 2004
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Stephen Dankner: B.A., New York University;
M.A., Queens College; D.M.A. The Juilliard School. Since
1985 Dr. Dankner has composed more than 60 works, including
seven symphonies, seven string quartets, five concerti (two
for piano, one each for violin, cello and alto saxophone);
three major song cycles; sonatas for violin, piano, alto
saxophone, cello; three piano trios; two orchestral tone
poems; background environmental music for the New Orleans
Aquarium of the Americas, film scores and much solo piano
music. Dankner was commissioned by the Audubon Institute
to compose a state-of-the-art computer-controlled electronic
music installation to be part of the permanent exhibitry
for the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. Recent
commissions include works for the National Symphony Orchestra
and the Louisiana Philharmonic. His last three symphonies
have been premiered by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
He has been on the faculty of the New Orleans Center for
Creative Arts|Riverfront, a pre-professional arts conservatory
at the high school level for 18 years- eleven as Chair of
the Music Program. Dr. Dankner also teaches part time at
the Loyola University College of Music (music composition,
computer music notation and orchestration).
COMPOSER-IN-RESIDENCE: Stephen Dankner is
Composer-in-Residence with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
His three year term begins March, 2004. He also serves as
outreach coordinator for the LPO, acting as audience liason,
building audiences and raising the visibility for classical
music in the greater New Orleans region for underserved
and potential concert-going populations.
PUBLICATIONS AND RECORDINGS: Seven CD recordings
on the Albany, Centaur, Gasparo and Romeo labels. Second
Symphony, Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano and Concerto
for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra published by Ries &
Erler, Berlin, Germany. The composer's music is the subject
of four doctoral dissertations from the University of Maryland
(2), University of Texas and the New Orleans Baptist Theological
Seminary.
PERFORMANCES/COMMISSIONS: Commissioned works
performed by the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Louisiana
Philharmonic Orchestra, and several others in the United
States and abroad. Many chamber music performances in Europe,
Asia and throughout the United States. Visiting composer,
Aspen Music Festival, 1994. Composer-in-Residence for "Faith
Partners" residency sponsored by a grant from the American
Composers Forum, 2001. State of Louisiana Division of the
Arts vocal music commission (2002). Composed Toccata- required
solo piano work for the New Orleans International Piano
Competition. Commission for the Albany Symphony for an orchestral
work for the 2004-'05 season. Premiere performances of his
Seventh and Eighth Symphonies will be given by the Louisiana
Philharmonic Orchestra within the next several seasons
AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS: Dr. Dankner was twice
the recipient of a Louisiana Arts Fellowship in music composition
(1983 and 1998). State of Louisiana Division of the Arts
Mini-Grants (3- 1998-2003). Winner, William Lincer International
Composition Award for Piano Quartet (2001). Winner, OARE
String Orchestra Prize (2004). Dr. Dankner has been awarded
composition residency fellowships to Yaddo (2001), the Virginia
Center for the Creative Arts (2002 and 2003) and the Millay
Colony (2003). He has also received the Margaret Fairbank
Jory grant from the American Music Center (2003) for his
Symphony No. 5. Recipient of $5000. SURDNA Arts Teachers
Fellowship Award for work on his Eighth Symphony (2004).
