Student Composition Performed in Germany

Oct. 1, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – – Illinois Wesleyan junior and music composition major Scott Keegan will have one of his pieces performed by a professional group in Hanover, Germany, on Oct. 17.  Keegan’s composition, Episodes, was chosen from many scores presented to the performers, Plathner’s 11.

According to Professor of Composition and Theory David Vayo, the highest achievement for a composer is having their music performed in concert by musicians.

“This is one of the few times in my 20 years of teaching at IWU that a current student has had one of their compositions performed at a professional venue, and the very first time that a student’s work has been performed internationally.”

Vayo credits Keegan, a St. Charles, Ill., native, not only for his talent, but also for his professional savvy. “For some time he has made a point of entering competitions and seeking opportunities to send his music to interested performers.”

Keegan found the group, Plathner’s 11, on Facebook and responded to the director’s post about an open call for scores to be performed in concert. “I think that as more ensembles and composers start networking through the Internet, international performances will become more common.”

According to Keegan, a video of the performance will be posted to YouTube after the concert.  Visit www.youtube.com to hear Keegan’s composition.

Contact: Hannah Griffin ’12, (309) 556-3181