Hildegard Commission Concert
7:30PM
Join in on March 6, 2025, for an extraordinary evening celebrating the winners of this year’s Hildegard Commission, National Sawdust’s mentorship initiative designed to highlight and elevate the voices of exceptional women and marginalized genders in the early stages of their careers. This year’s focus is on the transformative power of film music, featuring collaborative commissions that bring live music and visual storytelling together in compelling new ways.
The Hildegard Commission concert will showcase world premiers of five remarkable composers —Danae Venson, Lingbo Ma, Kayla McIntyre, Nina Fukuoka, and SiHyun Uhm—developed alongside visionary filmmakers and under the mentorship of luminaries Laura Karpman, Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum, Tamar-kali, Laura Rossi, and Germaine Franco. These groundbreaking works will be performed by the National Sawdust Ensemble, led by acclaimed cellist Jeffrey Zeigler.
Adding to the program, Hildegard Commission finalists Arowah, Mizu Issei, Katie Jenkins will have works from their current repertoire performed, offering an additional glimpse into their creative brilliance.
The five Hildegard Commission winners each receive a $5,000 cash prize, a commission for Pierrot-plus ensemble, a professional performance, a live recording, and one-on-one mentorship with leaders in the field, guided by Paola Prestini, Composer, National Sawdust Co-Founder, and Artistic Director.
The Hildegard Commission is made possible through the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Join in for this inspiring evening of innovative artistry, where music and film converge to celebrate the next generation of creative talent.