FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra announces Liam Ritz as the 18-19 HPO Composer Fellow. After a month-long application period and a jury process, Liam is the first to win the title in the inaugural year of the HPO Composer Fellowship Program. The program aims to connect early career composers with professionals in the orchestral world to support their education and development as artistic leaders in their field and community. The program was designed in collaboration with the Canadian Music Centre (CMC) and generously supported by the RBC Foundation through the RBC Emerging Artists Project.

The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Composer Fellowship Program is a robust educational experience offering insight into the creative process and business of orchestral composing. Specifically, the fellowship consists of six months of artistic and professional mentorship with HPO musicians, staff, Music Director Gemma New and Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte.

Applications were reviewed by a jury including Music Director Gemma New, Composer-in-Residence Abigail Richardson-Schulte and members of the HPO Artistic Advisory Committee.

Canadian-born composer Liam Ritz is currently based in Toronto, Ontario. Liam’s works have been performed in numerous festivals and workshops including the 2014 and 2016 Canadian Contemporary Music Workshops, 2016 Scotia Festival of Music, 2017 University of Toronto New Music Festival, 2013 and 2017 Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra What Next Festival and the 2017 Orford Music Academy. Most recently, Liam was awarded the Pierre Mercure SOCAN Foundation Young Composers Award and the William Erving Fairclough Graduating Scholarship for top-standing within the University of Toronto Faculty of Music. Liam recently completed a Bachelor of Music in Composition at the University of Toronto.

As the 18-19 Season HPO Composer Fellow, Liam Ritz is commissioned to write a piece to be premiered at the Intimate & Immersive concert In the Groove on May 23, 2019 at 7:30pm at The Cotton Factory.

The RBC Emerging Artists Project helps artists bridge the gap from emerging to established and supports organizations that provide the best opportunity to advance their career trajectory. The program supports arts organizations and artists in a range of genres including visual art, music, theatre, performance, literature and film.

Intimate & Immersive: In the Groove
May 23, 2019 at 7:30pm
The Cotton Factory (270 Sherman Avenue North, Hamilton)
Gemma New, Conductor
Tickets: $25

For tickets and more information order online at staginghpo.wpengine.com or call the HPO Box Office at 905.526.7756

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About the HPO: The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1884 as The Hamilton Orchestral Society and grew to become one of Canada’s major professional orchestras. Today, the HPO is a leader in Hamilton’s robust arts community where it provides professional orchestral services and music education programs to address the needs of the community. The HPO continues to commission and premiere works and is one of the artistic jewels of the Hamilton area. The combined musical talents of its artists continue to enrich the community and enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Media Contacts:

Christina Volpini
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x226
cvolpini@hpo.org

Kim Varian
Director, Development and Communications
Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
905.526.1677 x222
kvarian@hpo.org