I enjoyed attending the Mizzou International Composers Festival (MICF), an annual event organized by the Mizzou New Music Initiative that connects our community with renowned performers and important figures in contemporary music.

Over six days, the festival welcomed incredible talent to venues across Columbia. Concerts included music by MICF Distinguished Guest Composers George Lewis and Mary Kouyoumdjian, as well as pieces by former MICF Guest Composer Andrew Norman, John Orfe and MU Composition Professor Stefan Freund.

Mizzou is an international destination for the creation and performance of new music thanks to our accomplished faculty, including Professor Freund, the initiative’s artistic director. We’re also grateful for the visionary support of Curator Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield and Rex Sinquefield, who established the Mizzou New Music Initiative in 2005. MU now offers one of the leading composition programs in the nation.

Congratulations to the Mizzou New Music Initiative and the School of Music on another year of memorable performances.

— Mun