Composer-in-Residence Program

Composers participating in LIEDER ALIVE’s Composer-in-Residence program are first and foremost selected because of their interest in composing new work in the German Lieder tradition, and adding to the expanding Neue Lieder Songbook. In addition to regular coaching and a monthly stipend to support their creative efforts, composers-in-residence are provided with a platform for the premiering of these works (namely the Liederabend Series), access to LIEDER ALIVE contributing artists to perform them, and professional recording services to document them. In addition to compositional duties, the composer-in-residence is responsible for overseeing the Neue Lieder Commissioning Program, and developing educational programming for young composers.

Kurt Erickson

Composer Kurt Erickson was selected as LIEDER ALIVE!’s highly valued composer-in-residence some ten years ago. Mr. Erickson has composed songs for LIEDER ALIVE! contributing artists to perform on the LIEDER ALIVE Liederabend series, initially with a trio cycle for his wife, soprano Heidi Moss Erickson. Mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich has premiered his settings of work by 18th Century German poet Eduard Mörike, and bass Kirk Eichelberger has premiered a set of songs Mr. Erickson created especially for him. All performances are professionally audio-taped, and LIEDER ALIVE! will release a recording of Neue Lieder in the coming years. Additionally, Mr. Erickson is in conversation with connections in the industry regarding further publication of these works.

Mr. Erickson also collaborates with outstanding guest composers commissioning through the Neue Lieder Commissioning Program; the list of commissioned composers for past seasons have included Omari Tau,  Luna pearl Woolf, and Veronika Krausas, and will soon include Quinn Mason.

Currently in the works by our wonderful Composer-in-Residence himself, is a newly commissioned multimedia vocal work Each Moment Radiant. Speaking to those who have suffered terrorism, it will feature stories from the Pan Am Flight 103 terrorist bombing where 259 passengers perished, among them 35 students. This tragedy is juxtaposed with contemporary stories of victims of state-sponsored violence. We will premiere this compelling new work during the 2024-2025 season, which will feature our much esteemed brilliant soprano, Heidi Moss Erickson. This project will add an important social justice component to our series – stories from the victims and survivors of state sponsored violence.

FINDING VOICE & VISION PROJECT

Empowering Veterans Through Music, Expressive Writing, and Film

The Finding Voice and Vision Project arts team will partner with the San Francisco Veterans Medical Center, coupling hands-on arts practice with therapeutic techniques that address PTSD and trauma issues plaguing Bay Area armed service veterans. Our goal is to significantly improve the lives of Bay Area veterans through a combination of art making and restorative practice. Led by a team of clinicians, recovery coaches, and social workers, the San Francisco Veterans Medical Center uses art making to improve the lives of Bay Area armed service veterans and their families. Our collaborative involvement provides a targeted program led by seasoned professional artist mentors that encourages veterans to create art to work through mental health challenges. Using author Brian Turner’s acclaimed book of poetry Here, Bullet as a starting point, veteran participants will use creative prompts to generate new works, as they experience first-hand the processes that turned an award winning book of poetry (Brian Turner’s Here, Bullet) into Kurt Erickson’s award-winning music composition and also into a soon-to-be-released short film (actor/director Will Chase’s HERE, BULLET). Each member of the artistic team will share their creative successes, failures, and process to empower veteran participants to step outside their comfort zones, as they use art making practice as a tool for overcoming difficulties. Starting in September 2025, the LIEDER ALIVE! Creative Team of Kurt Erickson, Brian Turner, and Will Chase will lead sessions with Dr. Daniel Evenhouse (Director Community Based Services PRRC at Department of Veterans Affairs) and his team members.

Finally, Mr. Erickson is developing educational programming for young composers through a partnership with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The Conservatory currently has an annual art song competition for young composers, and by working with LIEDER ALIVE!, this program will be expanded to include a Lieder competition. Programming will include both group workshops and one-on-one coaching with Mr. Erickson for program participants, and will culminate in a professional public performance.