Claire Chase wins music prize

Senior flutist commissions chamber music for next millenium

Like any self-respecting Conservatory student, senior flutist Claire Chase accepts the many hours of repetitive practicing. Like all musicians, Chase acknowledges that she has often questioned whether her sacrifices will pay off. Luckily, though, Chase has more than enough self-confidence to make up for those nagging doubts. Chase said, "I am admittedly in over my head with this undertaking. I live for projects like these. I totally thrive on the constantly-changing pressures."

Chase's enthusiasm is warranted. This May she was notified that she won the 1999 Presser Music Award, a $5,000 grant awarded annually to a returning Conservatory student "who has demonstrated academic and artistic excellence."

Chase won the award for her project entitled, "The Millenium Project - Flute Music of the 21st Century." The process was not an easy one, either. Just to be nominated by the Conservatory faculty is an honor. Chase then submitted a formal grant proposal, which entails describing how one would use the allotted funds. Next, one candidate is chosen by the Conservatory faculty and the candidate's proposal is sent to the Presser Foundation for approval. Finally, the candidate is notified and the money is distributed.

For her project, Chase commissioned four American composers to write new works for flute and small chamber ensemble. Two of the composers include Conservatory senior Ruo Huang and Matthew Quayle OC '98. The remaining two composers are professors at the University of California at San Diego: Harvey Sollberger and John Fonville.

Chase said, "I consider myself extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. I have been a devoted fan of Sollberger's and Fonville's for two years... it is a thrill to be working with them now on a professional level."

The new works will be presented at Warner Concert Hall on April 21, 2000. Tim Weiss will conduct the ensemble, which will be comprised of five Oberlin students and five Oberlin graduates. They are: senior David Bowlin, violin, senior Kivie Cahn-Lipman, cello, senior David Schotzco, percussion, senior Catherine Barrett, harp, Zheng Huang OC '99, oboe , Wendy Richman OC '99, viola, Nikki Bartnikki OC '99, bass, and Phyllis Chen OC '99, piano. Chase said, "Every member of this group is a fabulous musician - flexible, innovative, creative, totally competent technically and an absolute joy to work with."

Chase will be surrounded by talented musicians as she undertakes this project. Chase said, "Essentially it's a full-time job. I'm acting as producer, bookkeeping manager, contractor, publicist, and most importantly, musician...yes, I've bitten off a hunk, but I have a fairly large appetite."

In addition to the premiere, the Departments of Composition and Conducting will host workshops, master classes and rehearsals with the ensemble. Even Chase is organizing a master class, one led by chamber music specialists Sollberger and Fonville. Chase said, "I'm very excited by the entire endeavor, as it is, for me, the ultimate combination of all my current interests, professional aspirations and passions...I see it as the welcoming of the new millennium and the pursuit of my ultimate dream in life: chamber music."

Flutist on the fast track: Claire Chase, winner of the 1999 Presser Music Award, performing her craft in concert. (photo by Areca Treon)