News from the Library of Congress
March 18, 2008

The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress and the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Inc., have awarded commissions for new musical works to seven composers. The foundations and the performing organizations that will present the newly composed works are jointly granting the commissions. Chester Biscardi and Sequitur are among the award winners and the groups co-sponsoring their commissions.

The Koussevitzky Music Foundation of New York and the Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation, established in 1942 and 1950, respectively, perpetuate Serge Koussevitzky’s lifelong efforts to encourage contemporary composers. Koussevitzky was appointed conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in 1924, a post he held for 25 years. Works commissioned by him and the two foundations include such established masterpieces as Benjamin Britten’s "Peter Grimes" and Béla Bartók’s "Concerto for Orchestra."

Commissions are awarded annually on a competitive basis and are open to performing organizations or individuals and to composers regardless of national origin or affiliation. Manuscripts of commissioned works are deposited in the Music Division of the Library of Congress. More information can be found at http://www.koussevitzky.org.

Chester Biscardi’s new work—scored for baritone, string quartet and piano—will be written for Sequitur, a New York ensemble focusing on multi-disciplinary works and contemporary concert pieces. Biscardi’s music has been featured at festivals in Rotterdam, Moscow, Japan, Thailand and Brazil, and his many honors include fellowships from the Guggenheim, Bogliasco, Djerassi and Rockefeller foundations; the Aaron Copland Award; and a Fromm Foundation grant. He is director of the music program at Sarah Lawrence College.