Rufus Reid Debuting New Orchestral Work In 2011

Over the summer, Rufus Reid attended a workshop at Columbia University called the Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute, which he later recalled the highlight of his year that far. After proving time and again his mastery of writing for the small ensemble, Reid decided it was time to build his large ensemble composition chops. The workshop was so successful for him that he was one of eight composers selected to have their new works performed by the American Composers Orchestra in June 2011.

NPR reports that the goal of these works is to “create new concepts and frameworks in the score-bound symphony orchestra.”

Reid is up for the challenge.

“Here lies the daunting and exciting challenge of the compositional process that I have become to LOVE!” he tells fans, via his website. “What I am taking away from this incredible event is: be patient! write what you imagine! be true to yourself!”