We are thrilled to welcome David Ludwig back to the Rogue Valley as Composer in Residence for the 2020–2021 season. David was first here in 2017 for our performances of his violin concerto with his wife, Bella Hristova, as soloist. We already knew Bella, having featured her in 2014, but this visit with both of them together was something special, and it blossomed into a plan to get him back to work with RVS again. Thus was born the plan for our first ever Composer in Residence.
David will be visiting for three weeks, spread apart throughout the season. The orchestra will be performing two of his works and David will be in town for rehearsals and performances of both those pieces. He will also be speaking about his work and doing educational outreach in our schools. In addition, David will be working on a new commission to be premiered by the RVS in our 2021– 2022 season. We will be announcing more specifics regarding his activities during his residency as the season gets closer.
Born in Bucks County, PA, Ludwig comes from several generations of eminent musicians including uncle Peter Serkin, grandfather Rudolf Serkin and great grandfather Adolf Busch. He holds degrees from Oberlin, The Manhattan School, the Curtis Institute, The Juilliard School, and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. Ludwig serves as the director of the composition faculty of Curtis and is the Gie and Lisa Liem Artistic Advisor and director of the Curtis 20/21 Contemporary Music Ensemble.