Commission to Be Premiered by Trowbridge Chamber Orchestra

Settlement Music School has commissioned a world premiere, the second of three for its centennial year, by composer Jan Krzywicki to be performed Sunday, May 18, 3pm, at the Independence Seaport Museum, at Penn's Landing. The event is free and open to the public. Krzywicki, an active composer and conductor, also teaches at Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music. His works have been performed by ensembles such as the Colorado Quartet, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Chestnut Brass Company; and on NPR.

This commission, funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and The Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia, will provide the 23 students of the Trowbridge Chamber Orchestra, conducted by David Rupp with opportunities to work directly with the composer in the performance of the work entitled, Triquetra for String Orchestra. "It is a work all about the number three," noted Rupp. "It is innovative, challenging and playful with many different colors, accents and levels, much like the lives of teenagers today so we look forward to performing it for the first time here in Philadelphia." Additional ensembles participating in the May 18 recital include the Gabriel Braverman Advanced Study String Quartet, the Ann Newman Advanced Study String Quartet and the Gail W. Snitzer Advanced Study String Quartet, all coached by Sidney Curtiss, former assistant principal viola for The Philadelphia Orchestra. The recital will use a piano provided by Jacob's Music and Rohm and Haas Company is the Presenting Centennial Year Sponsor.

Settlement's Advanced Study Program is designed to provide a preparatory training program to high school-aged students who hope to pursue a career in music. The scholarships include participation in an advanced study ensemble, subsidized tuition for study with a senior member of the Settlement Music School faculty or with a recognized artist in the community, and participation in an advanced section of a Fundamentals of Music ear training and theory class. Ensembles perform frequently throughout the season, in concerts presented by the School and in community events. Settlement offers more than 30 Advanced Study Scholarships.

Settlement Music School is the largest community-based school of the arts in the United States, serving 15,000 students each year at six branches in two states. It provides people of all abilities, age, race and financial means with programs of the highest quality in music and dance to help them achieve their greatest potential and award nearly $2 million a year in financial aid. Close to 300,000 students have attended Settlement Music School since 1908. It is the largest employer of musicians in the region, with more than 250 dedicated faculty members, most of whom have advanced degrees.

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